LESSON 5: High-Frequency Word “the”
Help Your Child Learn to Read and Use the Word “the”
What Will We Learn Today?
Today’s lesson introduces one of the most important words in English: the. This tiny word shows up in nearly every sentence children will read. In this lesson, your child will learn how to read, say, and understand the word “the”, and use it in context through simple, fun activities.
How to Say the Word “the”
The word the has two sounds:
/ð/ (a soft "th" sound, made by placing the tongue lightly between the teeth and using the voice)
/ə/ (a very short, quiet vowel sound—also called a schwa)
When you say the, you blend these two sounds together into one syllable: /ðə/.
Practice it together:
Say /ð/ slowly. Feel the gentle vibration as your voice turns on.
Then add the short /ə/ sound: /ðə/
Repeat the word three times together: the, the, the
This kind of word is not easy to sound out like regular CVC words. That’s why we memorize it as a heart word or high-frequency word—it’s one we just need to know by heart.
What Does the Word “the” Mean?
The word the is a very common word in English. We use it to talk about something specific.
For example:
The cat is on the mat.
The sun is shining.
The book is on the table.
In each sentence, “the” tells us that we are talking about one specific cat, sun, or book—not just any cat or book, but theone we are thinking of.
Fun and Meaningful Activities for the Word “the”
Read and Circle the Word
Write or print out short sentences with the word the in them. Ask your child to find and circle the word every time they see it.
Examples:
The dog ran fast.
I see the moon.
The apple is red.
We like the cake.
Ask: “Can you find the word the? How many times do you see it?”
Build the Word with Letter Tiles
Use letter magnets, flashcards, or cut-out letters to help your child build the word the. Say each letter aloud:
T – H – E
Then say the whole word: the
Repeat a few times and let your child build the word again on their own.
Find the Word “the” in Books
During read-aloud time or shared reading, ask your child to spot the word the in a book. You can also give them a highlighter or small sticky tabs to mark the word as they read with you.
Write It, Say It, Trace It
Create a small worksheet or use a whiteboard:
Write the word “the” three times.
Say the word each time.
Trace the word with a finger, marker, or crayon.
Encourage them to look at the letters and say the word as they trace: “t-h-e, the!”
[Download the “the” Practice Worksheet Here]
Conclusion
Learning the word the is a big step in becoming a confident reader. It's one of the most-used words in the English language and will show up again and again in your child’s reading journey. Through repetition, play, and exposure in real sentences, your child will start recognizing the with ease.
Keep practicing daily and celebrate every success. What sentence can your child make with the word the? Share it in the comments!