What defines a consonant digraph?

A consonant digraph is defined as two consonant letters that combine to represent a single sound. This means that when the two letters are placed together, they create a unique phoneme that is distinct from the individual sounds that each letter would make on its own. For example, in the digraph "ch" as in "chair," the combination produces a single sound that is not merely a blend of the sounds of "c" and "h," but rather a completely different phonetic outcome.

Understanding consonant digraphs is essential for phonics instruction, as they help students recognize and decode unfamiliar words. They are different from simple consonant pairs, where each letter retains its distinct sound, and from vowel combinations, which involve the blending of vowels. This clarity in distinguishing consonant digraphs can significantly enhance a student's reading and spelling abilities.