Ever handed out a spelling test, called out the word match, and half the class writes, “mach?” Yeah… you’re not alone. TCH words trip up even strong readers and writers in elementary. Without explicit instruction, students keep guessing. And guessing wrong.
The good news? TCH words actually follow a predictable phonics rule. Once your students know it (and practice it in fun, meaningful ways), those spelling errors start to disappear.
The CH & TCH Spelling Rule
TCH is used after a single vowel with a short sound of one syllable words.
Examples: match, fetch, pitch, notch, and hutch
CH is used after a consonant, long vowel sounds, a vowel team, or an r controlled vowel.
Examples: bench, lunch, reach, coach, march, and search
Of course, there are a few exceptions to this spelling pattern, like: rich, attach, and sandwich
Step By Step: How to Teach the TCH Words Spelling Rule
Introduce it with visuals.
An anchor chart with a short vowel and TCH on one side, and all the other CH word endings on the other side helps students see the difference at a glance. I underline the vowels in each of the examples so the patterns jump out at them.
Model the pattern.
Say a word from the CH and TCH word list, or project a picture of one of the words. Have students listen and identify the vowel sound they hear. Then, as a class, decide which ending it needs and write the word on the board.
Word sort practice.
Write a list of mixed TCH words and CH words on the board. Read them together and have students identify the vowel sound, and decide which ending it needs. Then sort them together as a class. To sort them, sometimes I have a large piece of chart paper, make a t-chart, and rewrite them. If we’re short on time, we just circle the words with a different color marker for each spelling.
Use printable word cards or digital slides. Students can work in partners or small groups to sort the TCH words ending vs the CH words ending. This repetition builds automatic recognition.
TCH words activities with worksheet reinforcement.
Worksheets aren’t just busy work when they’re designed well. Give students plenty of opportunities to practice reading and spelling CH and TCH words in a meaningful context. Worksheets are an easy way to do this. Rather than drilling isolated words, students can use tch words to complete sentences, find them in word searches, pick the correct spelling of ch and tch words to match pictures, and more!
This CH and TCH words worksheets pack has activities at different levels to support students, whether they’ve just been introduced to the concept or are close to mastery.
Apply this spelling rule in writing.
Challenge students to write sentences or mini stories that include a set of CH and TCH words. Then have willing students read them aloud to the class! You can even have them trade their writing with another student and have each other highlight the CH and TCH words. My class LOVES highlighters.
Make it stick with consistency.
The key to mastering CH and TCH words is providing a variety of places for students to read and spell and repetition. Start with introducing the spelling rule with visuals, like an anchor chart. Move into sorting words with support from you or a partner. Then, students need opportunities to practice reading and spelling these words independently with worksheets and word sorts. Finally, apply their new skill in authentic writing. The more ways they see it and use it, the stronger the connection to the concept.
Ready to skip the prep?
I’ve created a CH and TCH Words Pack with anchor charts, worksheets, word sorts, and games! Everything you need to teach this spelling rule all in one place. Click here to grab it now and give your students the tools they need to master spelling CH and TCH words.
Read how I teach DGE and GE word endings, NG & NK glued sounds, and more phonics teaching strategies!
