What are consonant blends?

Consonant blends refer to two or more consonants that are pronounced together, with each consonant retaining its own sound. For instance, in the word "blend," the sounds of the 'b' and 'l' are merged closely, creating a blend where each letter contributes to the overall phonetic output. This determination allows children to grasp how certain clusters of consonants work together within words and reinforces their phonemic awareness, which is crucial for reading development.

In contrast to this definition, blends of vowels, distinct sounds of single consonants, or combinations of consonant and vowel sounds do not fit the technical definition of consonant blends. Consonant blends specifically involve multiple consonant sounds functioning cohesively, showcasing how the intricacies of language and sounds operate directly impact literacy skills in young learners. Understanding consonant blends is essential in Montessori education, as it aligns with the method's emphasis on phonics and language development through hands-on learning experiences.