There are two types of consonant blends: Initial consonant blends and ending consonant blends. Initial consonant blends include bl, br, cl, cr, dr, fl, gr, pl, sc, sl, sm, sn, sp, st, sw and tr. Ending blends include ct, ft, lb, ld, lf, lk, lm, lp, lt, mp, nd, nk, nst, nt, pt, rst, sk, sm, sp and st. Reading appropriate books aloud to practice help students learn. Consider having students seek words in the book that contain blends. They can then write a list to share with the class.
For children who learn best through hands-on activities, consider creating learning tubs for any troublesome blends. Begin by purchasing small, clear tubs or reusing clean margarine containers. Mark the outside of the tub with the consonant blend and then fill the container with small toys or objects that contain that blend. For example, if creating a “br” tub, you might include small objects representing bread, brown, black, brain and brick. You can also include plastic letters of b and r. Another kinetic activity is race-oriented. Create a set of consonant blend cards; these can be made using index cards. Place double-sided tape on the cards. Give children five minutes to race around placing the index cards on classroom or household items that have that blend in the title.
For visual learners or to encourage on-going instruction throughout the house or classroom, tape index cards or sticky notes to items that contain that blend. You can either include the entire word on each card with the blend highlighted or underline or merely tape the blend to designated items. Other effective activities include utilizing blend and whole word flash cards.
There are many common sense techniques that can be easily worked into a child’s daily routine. Keep magnetic letters on the refrigerator or place on a cookie sheets so that you can have your child find the coordinating blends as you use items in the kitchen. Wherever you find yourselves, be sure to discuss words. Point out items and use pictures to initiate conversation. For instance, while in the grocery store point to a loaf of bread to initiate a conversation about the br consonant blend.