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Mastering the 'ch' and 'tch' Spelling Rule

Worksheet · Grade 4 · English

Mastering the 'ch' and 'tch' Spelling Rule

Phonics Worksheet: 'ch' vs. 'tch'

The Rule:
  • Use tch immediately after a short vowel (a, e, i, o, u) like in match or pitch.
  • Use ch after a long vowel (beach), after a consonant (lunch), or at the beginning of a word (chest).


Activity 1: Choose the Correct Spelling (DOK 1)

Instructions: Circle the word that is spelled correctly in each pair.
  1. A) fetche          B) fetch
  1. A) coach          B) coatch
  1. A) crutch          B) cruch
  1. A) brunch          B) bruntch
  1. A) sketch          B) skech


Activity 2: Label the Pictures (DOK 1)

Instructions: Look at the objects in the diagram below. Using your knowledge of the 'ch' and 'tch' rule, write the name of each object in the corresponding blank space.
fig 1: Phonics Labeling Diagram
fig 1: Phonics Labeling Diagram

  1. ____________________
  1. ____________________
  1. ____________________
  1. ____________________


Activity 3: The Spelling Sorter (DOK 2)

Instructions: Look at the word bank below. Sort the words into the correct columns based on the spelling rule. Think about the vowel sound before the 'ch' or 'tch'.
Word Bank: branch, switch, peach, ditch, porch, match, lunch, stretch, beach, notch
Ends with 'ch'
Ends with 'tch'
1. _____________
1. _____________
2. _____________
2. _____________
3. _____________
3. _____________
4. _____________
4. _____________
5. _____________
5. _____________


Activity 4: Why Does it Work? (DOK 3)

Instructions: Explain the spelling rule for the following two words. Why is one spelled with 'ch' and the other with 'tch'? Use terms like "short vowel," "long vowel," or "consonant."
Word 1: STITCH Explanation: _____________________________________________
Word 2: MARCH Explanation: _____________________________________________


Activity 5: Sentence Completion (DOK 2)

Instructions: Complete the sentences using a word that ends in 'ch' or 'tch'. Be sure to use the correct spelling!
  1. We used a ____________ to light the campfire.
  1. Be careful not to ____________ your skin on the rough branch.
  1. Would you like a slice of juicy ____________ with your lunch?
  1. The baseball player tried to ____________ the fly ball.
  1. Put the clean laundry in the wooden ____________.


Activity 6: The Spelling Detective (DOK 3)

Instructions: There is ONE misspelled word in each sentence below. Underline the mistake and write the correct spelling on the line provided.
  1. The bird sat on a thin brantch in the garden.      Correct: ____________
  1. I have a small paitch of grass in my yard.      Correct: ____________
  1. Did you watch the magicians do a trikch?      Correct: ____________
  1. I like to drink cold milk and eat a sandwich.      Correct: ____________


Activity 7: Creative Writing Prompt (DOK 4)

Instructions: Imagine you are a detective searching for a missing "magic watch." Write a short paragraph (at least 5 sentences) about your adventure. You must include at least 3 words ending in 'ch' and 3 words ending in 'tch' correctly.
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________

Phonics Poster: The 'ch' and 'tch' Rule

Catch the Sound: The 'ch' vs. 'tch' Rule

How do you know which one to use? Look at the letter before the sound!


📏 The Rule for -tch

Use -tch immediately after a SHORT VOWEL sound.
  • a (as in apple) + tch = match
  • e (as in egg) + tch = fetch
  • i (as in igloo) + tch = pitch
  • o (as in octopus) + tch = notch
  • u (as in up) + tch = crutch


📏 The Rule for -ch

Use -ch if there is a LONG VOWEL or a CONSONANT before it.

1. After a Long Vowel (or Vowel Team)

  • pea + ch = peach
  • coa + ch = coach
  • bea + ch = beach

2. After a Consonant

  • lunn + ch = lunch
  • benn + ch = bench
  • torr + ch = torch


🎨 Visual Guide

fig 1: An educational phonics illustration comparing the '-tch' spelling in 'match' and the '-ch' spelling in 'peach'.
fig 1: An educational phonics illustration comparing the '-tch' spelling in 'match' and the '-ch' spelling in 'peach'.



📝 Quick Tip Graphic

If the vowel is...
Then use...
Example
Short (Short & Fast)
-tch
Catch
Long (Stretched Out)
-ch
Beach
Consonant (Blocked)
-ch
March
Remember: 'ch' also starts words, like cheese and chips!