Lesson 40: Digraph ck /k/
Help Your Child Learn to Say, Spell, and Read the Digraph “ck”!
What Will We Learn Today?
Today we’re learning about the digraph ck, which spells the sound /k/—as in duck or back. In this lesson, your child will learn how to say the /k/ sound, understand the ck spelling rule, and practice reading short words, phrases, and connected sentences using this important digraph.
What Is the Sound of ck?
The digraph ck spells the /k/ sound—a quick, unvoiced stop sound.
Here’s how to help your child say it:
Open your mouth slightly.
Raise the back of your tongue toward the roof of your mouth.
Let the air out in a quick puff: /k/
This sound is short and strong—just like a quick pop of air.
What Is a Digraph?
A digraph is when two letters work together to make one sound.
The digraph ck is made of the letters c and k, and they spell the /k/ sound at the end of one-syllable words.
The ck Spelling Rule
We use ck:
✅ At the end of a word
✅ After a short vowel
✅ In one-syllable words only
Examples:
pack = /p/ /æ/ /k/ → short vowel /æ/, ends in /k/ → spell with ck
duck, pick, luck
We never use ck at the beginning or middle of a word.
Let’s Practice Reading Words
Blend and read these one-syllable words ending in ck:
back – lick – neck – duck – crack – cluck – speck – hack – pick – peck – luck – stack – pluck – brick – rack – deck – tuck – kick – snack – stuck – stick
Model:
“/l/ – /ʌ/ – /k/” → luck
Highlight the short vowel and the /k/ sound at the end.
Let’s Practice Reading Phrases
the black sack
the quick duck
pick and pack
the slick rock
do the trick
the slick deck
Ask:
Which word has ck at the end?
What is the short vowel sound?
Let’s Practice Reading Sentences
I pick the black sack.
The puck is on the deck.
The black duck is quick.
The truck is stuck in luck.
I do the trick and the kick.
Encourage your child to underline or circle the ck words.
Let’s Practice Reading Connected Sentences
The truck is stuck.
Beck said to Jack, “Pick the muck.”
Jack and Beck kick and flick the muck.
The truck is back.
Jack and Beck hop on the truck.
The truck is quick.
Zack said to Rick, “Pack the black sack.”
The sack is on the deck.
Rick did pick it up.
Zack did a trick and a flick.
The sack slid on the deck.
Rick said, “Kick it back!”
Comprehension questions:
What happened to the truck?
Who had the sack?
What did Rick do?
Color, Trace, and Write
Use printable worksheets where your child can:
Read and trace ck words
Write their own ck words
Match words to pictures (e.g., duck, rock, pack)
Color pictures with ck endings
[Download the ck Practice Worksheet Here]
Flashcards – Ending Sound Focus
Use flashcards for ck words. Emphasize final /k/ sounds spelled with ck.
Examples:
back
duck
rock
kick
Games to try:
Sound sort: ck vs. k
Build-a-word
Match the picture
[Download ck Flashcards – Final Sound Set Here]
Conclusion
The digraph ck is a key spelling pattern that helps children spell and read many short, one-syllable words. With clear practice and fun activities, your child will master the ck rule with confidence!
Ask your child:
“Can you find a word that ends with ck around the house?”