What does a vowel digraph consist of?

A vowel digraph consists of two vowels that combine to produce a single sound. This is an important concept in phonics, as understanding how vowel combinations work helps young learners decode words more effectively. For instance, in the word 'team,' the letters 'ea' together create a long 'e' sound, illustrating that these two vowels are functioning as one unit. Recognizing vowel digraphs assists children in their reading development by enabling them to identify common sounds produced by specific vowel pairings, thereby enhancing their overall literacy skills. Understanding this concept lays a solid foundation for further phonics instruction and reading fluency.