What are consonant digraphs?

Consonant digraphs are defined as two consonants that combine to create a single sound. This means that when these two consonants are placed together, they produce a phoneme that is different from the sound of each individual consonant. An example of a consonant digraph is "ch" in "chair," where the combination produces a unique sound that is not simply a blend of the "c" and "h" sounds. Understanding consonant digraphs is important for teaching reading and phonics, as recognizing these combinations helps students decode words more effectively. This foundational knowledge plays a crucial role in literacy development for English language learners and can assist them in mastering pronunciation and spelling.