- Definition
A grapheme is simply the written letter or letters that stand for a single sound in a word. For example, the sound "k" can be written as "c" (cat), "k" (kit), or "ck" (duck).
In the word 'ship,' the grapheme 'sh' represents the first sound.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A grapheme is like the letter block, or team of blocks, that spells a single sound.
Ask your child: What letters are making the 'sh' sound in 'ship'?
Common mix-up: Kids may think every sound is spelled with only one letter. A grapheme can be a single letter or a team of letters that represents one sound.
Examples
- In 'top,' the letter 't' is the grapheme for the first sound.
- In 'fish,' the letters 'sh' work together as the grapheme for the final sound.
grapheme is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
