Hard TH Words

Hard TH Words in IB PYP Grade 1 Language

In a hard th word the letters t and h make a voiced sound: the tongue touches the teeth and the throat hums. Children hear it in brother, mother, father, weather, together and in small words like this, that, the, them, then. A simple trick is to touch the throat and feel it buzz.

Every worksheet here is short, colourful and playful, with a friendly animal guide and a teacher answer key on page 2. Matching flashcards can be played online or printed 1, 2, 4, 6 or 8 to an A4 page.

What learners practise

Hear and feel the humming hard th sound
Read and spell words such as brother, mother, this and that
Complete sentences with hard th words
Tell hard th from soft th

For students

Say each word aloud, then write it. Colour the animal when you finish.

For parents

Print on A4, read the instructions together and let your child try before you check.

For teachers

Use as a phonics starter, homework or exit ticket. Each sheet has a name, class and date box and an answer key.

Teaching tip

Let children touch their throat while saying "this" and then "think". They feel the buzz in this and nothing in think.

Quick answers

What is a hard th?

The voiced th, where your throat hums. It is the th in brother, mother, this and that.

How can children tell hard th from soft th?

Put a hand on the throat. If it buzzes (this, brother) it is hard th. If it is only air (think, thumb) it is soft th.

How should I use these worksheets?

Pick one worksheet, let your child try it alone first, then check together with the answer key on page 2. Five to ten minutes a few times a week works best.