Which term describes a group of two consecutive letters representing a single sound, such as in the word 'chat'?

The term that describes a group of two consecutive letters representing a single sound is indeed a digraph. In the case of the word 'chat,' the "ch" is a digraph because it combines two letters to produce one distinct sound that is different from the sounds produced by the individual letters "c" and "h" on their own.

Digraphs are essential in phonics instruction as they help learners understand how certain letter combinations create unique sounds. This skill enables readers to decode words correctly and enhances their phonemic awareness, which is crucial for effective reading.

Other terms, while relevant to phonics and reading, do not accurately describe the concept of two letters making one sound. For instance, consonants are single sounds represented by individual letters, and phonemes refer to the smallest units of sound in speech that differentiate meaning. Blends, on the other hand, involve two or more consonants that are pronounced together but still maintain their individual sounds, such as in the word "blended." Therefore, a digraph is the most precise term that captures the idea of two letters creating a single sound, as seen in 'chat.'