In phonics instruction, what does the term "phoneme" refer to?

The term "phoneme" refers to a unit of sound in speech. It is the smallest segment of sound that can distinguish one word from another in a particular language. For instance, in English, the words "bat" and "pat" differ by one phoneme (/b/ vs. /p/). Understanding phonemes is crucial for phonics instruction because it lays the foundation for decoding words and spelling. This knowledge allows students to break down words into their individual sounds, which can enhance reading and writing skills.

Other options do not accurately capture the definition of "phoneme." While reading skills, letters of the alphabet, and a word's meaning all play roles in language and literacy, they do not define what a phoneme is.