What do 'digraphs' and 'vowel pairs' fall under in phonics?

Digraphs and vowel pairs are best categorized under 'Spelling Patterns' because they represent specific combinations of letters that correspond to particular sounds in words. Digraphs involve two letters that create one sound, such as 'sh' in "ship" or 'ch' in "chat." Vowel pairs, or diphthongs, involve two vowels together that create a unique sound, like 'ai' in "rain" or 'oo' in "moon."

Understanding these spellings helps learners recognize how certain letter combinations consistently create specific sounds in various contexts, making it easier for them to decode unfamiliar words. This focus on how letters correspond to sounds is a fundamental aspect of phonics instruction and is crucial for developing reading and spelling skills. Thus, identifying digraphs and vowel pairs as part of spelling patterns emphasizes their role in teaching students about the structure of words and phonetic sounds.