Digraph Word Search: Free Printable Game for Reception
Digraph Word Search is a free printable game for Reception (reception | ages 4 to 5), in Early Years Foundation Stage. Find the sh, ch and th words. It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, a growing library of free printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795.
It is two A4 pages. Page 1 is the activity for children. Page 2 is for the grown-up: it has notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard, a stretch idea, and the answers. Print it at home or in the classroom. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
This game includes a word search with a hidden-word list.
A look at what children will meet:
- SHIP
- FISH
- CHIP
- THIN
- SHOP
- CHAT
- BATH
- DISH
- MOTH
- RICH
Who this is for
Reception (reception | ages 4 to 5) in Early Years Foundation Stage.
The Early Years Foundation Stage runs from birth to the end of Reception, up to age 5. Children learn best through play, talk and hands-on activity, so this sheet is designed to be shared with a grown-up. Use it at home, in class, on a rainy afternoon or at a family gathering.
What children practise
- Phonics
- Word spotting
- Reading
Spot and read words that contain the sh, ch and th sounds.
Learning focus and curriculum link
Subject: English. Key stage: Early Years Foundation Stage. It supports the subject at this level through short, focused practice.
This sheet is a practice and play activity. It supports classroom learning and is not a replacement for it.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the child. Keep page 2 for the grown-up.
- 1 child with a grown-up. About 10 minutes. Say each word aloud and listen for the sh, ch or th sound.
- Work through the activity together the first time. Talk about each choice.
- Check against the notes on page 2 and the answers.
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
If it feels too hard
Find one word together, then let the child try the next alone.
To stretch confident children
Sort the found words into three groups: sh, ch and th.
Make it a game
Race a grown-up to find the most words.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Read the rules out loud together before you start, so everyone plays the same game.
- Take turns being the person who reads or checks. It builds listening as well as knowledge.
- Keep rounds short. Two quick games beat one long one.
A screen-free english activity for Reception
Children spend a lot of time on screens. This is a screen-free english activity that needs only paper and a pencil. It works as quiet time after school, a rainy day activity, a holiday boredom buster or a calm moment before bed. Screen-free learning gives eyes a rest and gets children talking, thinking and writing by hand.
Free english resources for teachers
Teachers can use this game as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task, a supply teacher resource, a homework task or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. The learning focus and skills are listed above so you can match it to your planning, and page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
English ideas for parents at home
You do not need to be a teacher to use this. Read the sheet through, sit with your child for the first go and let them lead. Short bursts of ten to fifteen minutes work better than long sessions. If you are looking for free english worksheets for Reception, or simple home learning for the weekend or school holidays, this is a good place to start.
Home education and tutoring
Home educators and tutors can print this as part of a wider english plan. It pairs well with books, outdoor play and everyday talk. Because the sheet is free and printable, you can use it again for brothers and sisters or for revision a few weeks later.
Why it helps children learn
Hands-on, paper based activities slow learning down in a good way. Children read carefully, think before they answer and see their own progress on the page. Games and challenges add a reason to keep going. That mix of play and practice is why printable activities like this are popular with parents, teachers and home educators.
Curriculum links for teachers
This sheet supports the areas below. It is matched to the published England frameworks. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years Foundation Stage | Literacy | Word Reading | Reception |
What children will be able to do
- I can spot the sounds sh, ch and th in words.
- I can read the words I find.
- I can sort words by their sound.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- Which sound can you hear at the start of this word?
- Can you find a word with ch in it?
- Can you think of another word that has sh in it?
Play it for real
Jaques of London has made games and toys since 1795. These go well with this sheet:
More like this
Same subject, one year up: Sound Button Stepping Stones | Same subject, one year down: Story Sack Checklist
Frequently asked questions
What age is Digraph Word Search for?
It is written for Reception (reception | ages 4 to 5), in Early Years Foundation Stage.
What will children practise?
Spot and read words that contain the sh, ch and th sounds.
How do I use it?
1 child with a grown-up. About 10 minutes. Say each word aloud and listen for the sh, ch or th sound.
What if it feels too hard?
Find one word together, then let the child try the next alone.
Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use.
Is Digraph Word Search suitable for teachers to use in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing.
Is this a screen-free activity?
Yes. It is a screen-free printable that needs only paper and a pencil, so it works well for quiet time, rainy days and school holidays.
Can I use it for home education?
Yes. Home educators and tutors can use it on its own or as part of a wider plan. It is free to print again for brothers, sisters or revision.
How long does it take?
Most children finish page 1 in 10 to 20 minutes. The notes on page 2 suggest ways to make it shorter or longer.
Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper.
More free printables
More for Early Years Foundation Stage | More english printables | Free printable games | All Mini Minds Hub resources