What does the term blend refer to in language development?

The term "blend" in language development refers to a combination of sounds that are put together to form a word. This concept is essential in phonics and reading instruction, as understanding blends helps children to decode and read words more effectively. For example, in the word "snack," the sounds /s/, /n/, and /æk/ are blended together to produce the whole word. Blending is a foundational skill in early literacy that enables learners to connect phonemes and recognize words as they develop their reading abilities.

This concept is crucial because it emphasizes the importance of phonemic awareness in language development, which is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. Recognizing and using blends helps children improve their reading fluency and comprehension.