What are digraphs in phonics?

Digraphs are defined as two letters that come together to produce a single sound. This concept is a fundamental aspect of phonics instruction, underscoring the way certain pairings of letters function in a written language. For example, the letters "ch" in "chat" or "sh" in "ship" each produce unique sounds that are not merely the sum of the individual letters' sounds.

Understanding digraphs is crucial for young readers as it helps them decode words correctly and recognize these combinations in their reading practice. The correct definition highlights how these two-letter combinations are essential in phonics for assessing phonemic awareness and influencing spelling patterns as students progress in their literacy skills.

Other definitions provided in the options do not accurately capture the meaning of digraphs. For instance, three-letter combinations or single letters representing vowels refer to different phonetic concepts, while sounds at the beginning of words pertain more to phonemic awareness rather than the specific two-letter sound combinations that digraphs represent. Thus, identifying digraphs accurately supports effective reading instruction and comprehension strategies.