What is a "grapheme"?

A grapheme is indeed defined as a unit of writing that represents a phoneme, which is the smallest unit of sound in a language. This concept is crucial in understanding how written language corresponds to spoken language. Graphemes can take various forms, such as single letters like "a" or "b," as well as combinations of letters like "sh" in "shoe." This relationship between graphemes and phonemes is foundational in phonics instruction, as it helps students decode and encode words while reading and writing.

Understanding the role of graphemes in literacy is essential for teaching reading and phonics, as it allows educators to guide students in making connections between letters and the sounds they represent. This knowledge is critical for developing effective reading strategies, enabling students to become proficient readers.