Blends with L include: bl, cl, fl, gl, pl, sl
Blends with R include: br, cr, dr, fr, gr, pr, tr
Blends with W include: dw, tw
Blends with S include: sc, sk, sl, sm, sn, sp, squ, st, sw
Triple blends are: scr, spl, spr, scr

Consonant blends are generally taught at the intermediate level. But do not limit your beginner student from learning them if she shows an interest!

  1. Long vowels are generally taught next.
    Long vowels include:
    A as in aim ()
    E as in eaves ()
    I as in idea ( )
    O as in open ()
    U as in use ()

  2. Consonant digraphs are taught at a later stage. Consonant digraphs are a pair of letters that form a new sound, unlike either of the original sounds that the letters made. Notice that with consonant digraphs, there are different sounds that can be made using the same two-letter combination. For example, gh can make an f sound (tough), a g sound (ghost) or it can be silent (dough). Th has two different sounds. Notice the difference between the words there and thumb.
    • Other examples at the beginning of a word include:
    • Ch (china, choir and chute)
    • Ph (photographer)
    • Sh (shape)
    • Wh (whether)
    • Examples at the end of the word include:
    • ng (sing)
    • nk (ink)

  3. Vowel digraphs (two vowels that take on the sound of the first vowel), diphthongs (two vowels where the first rolls into the second vowel sound), and vowels followed by an R are generally the last to be taught.

Phonics generally works well with auditory learners but may be less popular with other types of learners; if your learner is having difficulty, use other methods to increase her reading proficiency and vocabulary.