What is a vowel digraph or vowel pair?

A vowel digraph, or vowel pair, refers specifically to a combination of two vowels that together produce a single vowel sound, where typically the first vowel holds the primary influence on the sound. This concept is fundamental in understanding phonics as it relates to how certain vowel combinations function in language.

For example, in the case of the vowel pair "ea" as in the word "bread," the "e" influences the sound, creating a distinct vowel sound different from either vowel on its own. Vowel digraphs are crucial for developing reading skills, as they help learners recognize and decode words more effectively by identifying how certain vowel combinations alter pronunciation.

The other choices do not accurately define a vowel digraph. The idea of consonants modifying vowel sounds pertains to consonant-vowel interactions rather than the vowels themselves. A single vowel followed by a consonant describes a different structure, typically a simple vowel pattern, and the mixing of different vowel sounds refers more to diphthongs and not to vowel digraphs where two vowels create a single sound.