What does 'grapheme' refer to?

A grapheme refers to the smallest unit in a written language that represents a sound. This can include a single letter, like 'a' or 'b', or combinations of letters that make a single sound, such as 'sh' or 'ch.' Graphemes are fundamental to understanding phonics and decoding skills in reading, as they link the spoken language to written symbols.

In the context of language arts and literacy, recognizing graphemes enables students to identify how sounds are represented in writing, which is crucial for developing reading and writing skills. Understanding this concept supports various instructional strategies in teaching reading, phonics, and spelling, helping students grasp how words are formed and pronounced.