sh Words

Teaching the /sh/ sound can be a fun and rewarding part of your phonics lessons, especially when students discover that there’s more than one way to spell it! This free /sh/ Words worksheet is designed for Grade 1 and Grade 2 students who are learning to recognise and use different graphemes that represent the /sh/ sound.

With clear word lists and a simple layout, this worksheet supports young learners as they become familiar with sh, ch, and ti—three of the most common

ways to spell the /sh/ sound.

What’s in the Worksheet?

The resource includes a word list sorted into three columns:

• sh – as in ship, shop, shout

• ch – as in chef, machine, chalet

• ti – as in station, action, mention

Students will explore how the /sh/ sound can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of words, and how its spelling can depend on the origin or structure of the word.

Why Teach Multiple Spellings of the /sh/ Sound?

Understanding how different letter combinations can make the same sound helps students:

• Improve spelling accuracy

• Read unfamiliar words more confidently

• Develop phonemic awareness

• Expand vocabulary with higher-level words like position or musician

How to Use This Resource

This worksheet is great for whole-class, small-group, or independent work. Here are a few ways to use it:

• Grapheme Highlight: Students highlight or underline the letters that represent the /sh/ sound in each word.

• Sound Sorting: Cut and sort the words into grapheme groups to reinforce sound-to-letter matching.

• Say and Spell: Practice pronouncing each word clearly while pointing to the grapheme.

• Word Illustrations: Invite students to draw a simple picture to match each word to boost vocabulary retention.

Extension Activities

Want to take the learning even further? Try these extension ideas:

• Sentence Building: Ask students to use one word from each column to write their own sentence.

• Classroom Hunt: Have students find more words with the /sh/ sound in books or around the room.

• Partner Quiz: In pairs, one student says a /sh/ word and the other writes it using the correct spelling.

Download the /sh/ Words Worksheet for Free

Spelling the /sh/ sound doesn’t have to be tricky. This free printable worksheet from Smart Boarding School makes it easier for students to explore the different ways /sh/ can be spelled while keeping the activity engaging and purposeful.