What do we call two vowels together that represent one phoneme?

The correct answer is a vowel digraph. A vowel digraph refers to two adjacent vowels that combine to create a single phoneme or sound. This is a common occurrence in the English language where certain vowel combinations produce a unique sound that is different from the individual sounds of the letters involved. For example, in words like "bead" and "team," the vowel pairs work together to form one sound.

Understanding vowel digraphs is fundamental in phonics instruction, as it helps students recognize and read words more effectively. This concept differentiates itself from other similar terms, which may refer to different combinations or functions of vowels, such as vowel clusters or diphthongs. Vowel clusters typically involve two or more vowels that are pronounced in close proximity, but they may not necessarily create a single phoneme. Diphthongs, on the other hand, are specific combinations of vowels that glide from one sound to another, producing a sound that transitions between two distinct phonemes.