Lesson 4: /w/ (Spelling Patterns: w, wh)
- Reading Bulilit
- Developing Readers
Discover the /w/ Sound in Words Like wet and when
Learning to read becomes easier when children understand that the same sound can sometimes be spelled in different ways. In this lesson, we introduce the /w/ sound, a common consonant sound in English. Children will learn that both wand wh can represent the /w/ sound in words.
This lesson helps beginning readers recognize, pronounce, and read the /w/ sound through explicit instruction, listening activities, and decoding practice. Following a systematic phonics sequence allows children to build strong foundational reading skills one step at a time. Whether you're a parent, teacher, tutor, or homeschool educator, this free lesson provides engaging resources to support confident, successful readers.
Before You Get Started
All of the resources in this lesson—including the interactive presentation, worksheets, classroom poster, and mini activity book—are completely free to access and edit with Canva Education.
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Once your Canva Education account is approved, you'll be able to access, customize, and use all of the resources in this lesson at no cost.
What Your Child Will Learn
By the end of this lesson, your child will be able to:
Recognize the /w/ sound in spoken words.
Learn that w and wh can both spell the /w/ sound.
Articulate the sound correctly.
Read and identify words containing the /w/ sound.
Notice different spelling patterns while reading.
Strengthen decoding and spelling skills.
Reading Skill Spotlight: The /w/ Sound
The /w/ sound is a voiced consonant sound. This means your vocal cords vibrate while you say it.
The most common spelling is w, as in:
wet
win
wag
wish
Children will also learn that wh often represents the same /w/ sound in many common words, such as:
when
whiz
which
whim
Although these words are spelled differently, they begin with the same /w/ sound. Learning both spelling patterns helps children read a wider range of words with confidence.
Make the Sound
Let's practise together!
The /w/ sound is a continuous sound. Round your lips into a small circle and let your voice flow out smoothly.
Say it slowly:
/w/
Now try holding the sound:
/wwwwwww/
Encourage children to notice how their lips stay rounded while making the sound. Holding the sound helps them hear and feel how it is produced.
Teach the Lesson with the Interactive Presentation
Introduce the /w/ sound using the interactive presentation. It provides explicit instruction, pronunciation practice, spelling patterns, word reading, and engaging activities in a clear, systematic sequence. The presentation is suitable for classrooms, small-group instruction, intervention sessions, tutoring, or home learning.
👉 Access the presentation here:
Download the Free Worksheets
Reinforce learning with printable worksheets that provide opportunities to practise reading, writing, spelling, and applying the /w/ sound. These activities encourage repeated practice while helping children build confidence and fluency.
👉 Download the worksheets here:
Display the Classroom Poster
Support daily review with a printable classroom poster featuring the /w/ sound and its spelling patterns. Display it on your phonics wall, literacy centre, or reading corner to provide children with a helpful visual reference throughout the lesson.
👉 Download the poster here:
Practise with the Mini Activity Book
Extend learning with the printable mini activity book. Filled with engaging, hands-on activities, it gives children additional opportunities to review the /w/ sound through reading, colouring, matching, writing, and word practice. It is ideal for independent learning, literacy rotations, homework, or extra practice at home.
👉 Download the mini activity book here:
Tips for Educators
Model the /w/ sound clearly before introducing the spelling patterns.
Help children compare the spellings w and wh.
Encourage children to round their lips while making the sound.
Provide opportunities to read and spell words with both spelling patterns.
Keep lessons short, positive, and engaging.
Regularly review previously learned sounds and spelling patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is this lesson suitable for?
This lesson is designed for beginning readers, typically between 4 and 7 years old, but it can also support older students who are developing foundational reading skills.
Why are some /w/ words spelled with wh?
Many common English words use wh to represent the /w/ sound. Learning this spelling pattern helps children recognize and read familiar question words such as what, when, where, and why.
Do I need to complete the lessons in order?
Yes. Each lesson builds on previously taught sounds and spelling patterns, allowing children to develop their decoding skills in a logical, systematic sequence.
Can I use these resources in my classroom?
Absolutely! These resources are designed for classroom teachers, reading intervention, tutors, homeschool educators, and families supporting beginning readers at home.
Continue Learning
Every new sound your child masters strengthens their reading foundation. Continue to the next lesson in the Developing Readers series as your child learns another essential phonics pattern through explicit, systematic instruction.
You may also enjoy exploring our growing collection of printable phonics resources, decodable activities, and early literacy materials designed to make learning to read simple, engaging, and effective.