The “wh” digraph is one of the first consonant digraphs children encounter when learning to read and spell.
Found in common question words like what, when, and why, it plays a key role in early literacy.
Teaching this digraph effectively helps children decode words confidently and improves both reading fluency and spelling accuracy.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to teach the “wh” sound, including when it’s typically mastered, practical teaching tips, and a comprehensive list of 270 “wh” words organised for different learning stages.
Wh Word Lists for Teaching Reading and Spelling
The “wh” digraph is a powerful building block in early reading and spelling.
From essential question words like who, what, and when to descriptive vocabulary like whisper and whirl, this digraph appears frequently in everyday language.
Helping children recognise, read, and spell “wh” words gives them immediate access to meaningful text and supports stronger comprehension.
So let’s jump in and discuss how to teach the “wh” sound effectively, when children typically master it, and how to build confidence through structured word lists and practical literacy activities.
Whether you’re a parent or educator, this resource is designed to support both decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling) skills.
Free Printable Placemat
Stage 2 Placemat: Beginners Digraphs
A fun consonant diagraphs resource for beginners learning to read, write and spell! Includes voiced and unvoiced ‘th’ digraphs.
What Is the “wh” Digraph?
A digraph is when two letters work together to represent one sound.
In most cases, “wh” makes a /w/ sound (as in wheel), though in some dialects it can be a soft /hw/ sound.
What Age Is the “wh” Sound Mastered?
Most children begin learning digraphs like “wh” between ages 5–7, typically in their first years of formal schooling.
- Age 5–6: Recognise and read simple “wh” words
- Age 6–7: Use “wh” words in spelling and writing
- Age 7+: Apply automatically in reading and spelling
Mastery depends on consistent exposure, phonics instruction, and practice in both reading and writing contexts.
How to Teach the “wh” Digraph (Reading & Spelling Focus)
1. Start with Sound Recognition
Teach children to hear the /w/ sound at the beginning of words like what and when.
2. Model Blending for Reading
Break words into sounds:
- wh-e-n → when
- wh-i-p → whip
3. Segment for Spelling
Encourage children to stretch words:
- whip → /wh/ /i/ /p/
4. Use High-Frequency Question Words
Words like what, when, and why appear often in texts—prioritise these.
5. Reinforce Through Writing
Have children write sentences using “wh” words to connect reading and spelling.
Stage 2 Flashcards: Beginners Digraphs
Learn & practice consonant digraph sounds for beginners with our brightly coloured 13 x flashcards!
Beginner “wh” Words (Early Readers)
whip
where
when
what
why
wham
whiz
whip
whop
whim
whin
whit
whig
whup
whap
Words Starting with “wh” (Main Teaching List)
what
when
where
why
which
while
whale
wheel
white
whip
whisk
whisper
whistle
whisker
whim
whine
whirl
whirlwind
whack
wham
wharf
wheat
wheelbarrow
whelp
whet
whether
whiff
while
whimsy
whine
whinny
whipcord
whiplash
whippet
whir
whirr
whisking
whispered
whispering
whistler
whistling
whiteboard
whiten
whitening
whitish
whittle
whittled
whittling
whizbang
whizzing
whodunit
whoever
whole
wholesome
wholly
whom
whose
who
whoa
whopper
whopping
whorl
whortleberry
whup
whacko
whacky
whalebone
whaleboat
whaler
whaling
whammy
wharfage
wharfinger
whatever
whatsoever
wheal
whee
wheedle
wheelie
wheelhouse
wheeling
wheely
wheeze
wheezing
wheezy
whelk
whelmed
whelming
whelping
whence
whenever
whereabouts
whereas
whereby
wherein
whereupon
wherever
whetstone
whey
whichsoever
whichever
whiffed
whiffing
whigmaleerie
whimpered
whimpering
whimsical
whimsically
whinchat
whinge
whinged
whinging
whinnying
whinstone
whippoorwill
whipsaw
whipsawed
whipsawing
whirligig
whirling
whirlybird
whirrings
whiskered
whiskery
whispery
whist
whisted
whisting
whitlow
whitener
whiteness
whither
whiting
whitishness
whittleable
whittler
whizkid
whizzed
whizzing
whoosh
whooshing
whup
whupped
whupping
Stage 2 Pack: CVC Words with Consonant Digraphs
Our interactive and reusable phonics, consonant digraphs and CVC words printables to help you confidently teach reading, writing and spelling while keeping the kids engaged and learning through play!
Full List of 270 “wh” Words
what
when
where
why
which
while
whale
wheel
white
whip
whisk
whisper
whistle
whisker
whim
whine
whirl
whirlwind
whack
wham
wharf
wheat
wheelbarrow
whelp
whet
whether
whiff
whimsy
whinny
whipcord
whiplash
whippet
whir
whirr
whisking
whispered
whispering
whistler
whistling
whiteboard
whiten
whitening
whitish
whittle
whittled
whittling
whizbang
whizzing
whodunit
whoever
whole
wholesome
wholly
whom
whose
who
whoa
whopper
whopping
whorl
whup
whacko
whacky
whalebone
whaleboat
whaler
whaling
whammy
whatever
whatsoever
wheal
whee
wheedle
wheelie
wheelhouse
wheeling
wheeze
wheezing
wheezy
whelk
whelmed
whelping
whence
whenever
whereabouts
whereas
whereby
wherein
whereupon
wherever
whetstone
whey
whichever
whichsoever
whiffed
whiffing
whimpered
whimpering
whimsical
whimsically
whinge
whinged
whinging
whinnying
whipsaw
whipsawed
whipsawing
whirligig
whirling
whirlybird
whiskered
whiskery
whispery
whist
whited
whiteness
whither
whiting
whitlow
whittleable
whittler
whizkid
whizzed
whoosh
whooshing
whupped
whupping
whap
whop
whup
whit
whin
whig
whiz
wham
whit
whim
whip
CVC at Home Reading & Spelling Program
Bundle Stage 1-9: CVC Spelling Packs
Bundle and Save! Our Interactive CVC spelling, reading & writing packs are designed to help you confidently teach letter sounds, phonics, digraphs, blending and segmenting. They are a ‘must have’ for every parent, teacher or speechie and are perfect for keeping kids engaged and learning through play as they interact with the reusable CVC spelling, reading & writing activities.
Wh Word Lists for Teaching Reading and Spelling
Teaching the “wh” digraph is a crucial step in early phonics instruction.
By combining explicit sound teaching, reading practice, and spelling application, children can confidently master this common and important pattern.
Consistent exposure to “wh” words in real reading and writing contexts will help move children from decoding to fluency—setting a strong foundation for lifelong literacy.
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