I NEW PATTERN. Learn wh, which is pronounced either |hw| or |w|.
The |hw| generates air and no vocal cord vibration. When |hw| is used as the wh sound in which and when, more “air time” is involved than if |w| is used. Compare |hw| to the use of the voiced |w|; the latter involves vibration and less air. Modern dictionaries indicate that both pronunciations are valid.

Notice when spelling where and there that these words end in a silent e. Some reading teachers consider ere to be a recognized blend. Often, people pronounce these words with more of a long-vowel a sound, |ār| or |âr|. The presence of r usually alters the sound of a vowel that precedes it. Your student will not have difficulty with these words.

II NEW PATTERN. Learn the th spelling pattern, which has two pronunciations: with vibration of the vocal cords, as in this and that, and without vocal cord vibration, as in thin and path.

III – VI REVIEW the digraph/trigraph spelling and pronunciation patterns ch, tch, nch, sh, shr, wh, and th (the th and the wh blends are introduced with and without vibration of the vocal cords).

The Difference between Voiced and Voiceless Sounds

Consider the words thin and path. The th in each of these words is voiceless, meaning that the pronouncing of the th does not produce vibration in the speaker’s throat. The speaker does, however, expel air through his mouth. Place your hand in front of your lips and feel the air that is expelled when you say the th sound in thin and path. Now consider the words which and when. Put your hand on your throat and pronounce these words. There should be no detectible vibration on the wh, meaning that wh is not voiced.

In comparison, voiced sounds are pronounced with almost no air but with some vibration. Touch your throat and say this. Notice what happens. You should feel some vibration. Now try the same experiment with that. Again, you should feel some vibration. With your hand in front of your lips, now say then and that and notice the almost imperceptible amount of air.

The Second Sound for the wh Digraph

There is indeed another sound for the wh digraph, but it will not be introduced until Lesson 51. This is the wh that appears in who, whom, whose, and whole. It is a voiceless sound and is pronounced much like the letter h, |h|.

A Note About “There”

Roman numeral II presents the word there. There belongs to a trio of homophones; its compatriots are their and they’re. These words sound alike but mean quite different things. Point out to your student that he should always be mindful of words that sound alike but are spelled differently. [See Lesson 84]