Learning about syllables is important for developing readers and writers. Not only is it fun, but kids gain confidence when they can hear the smaller sounds that make up words. Getting the hang of syllables is a PERFECT skill to practice in short bursts so it’s also perfect for our ‘when you only have a minute’ series.
What is a syllable?
The sound of a vowel that you hear when breaking down a word. So the number of individual vowel sounds you hear equals the number of syllables in the word.
Syllables help kids break words down to read and spell more easily. It can also help with pronunciation.
If you want to check particular words you can visit How Many Syllables, type in the word and it will show you the break down instantly.
What you need
Print off each page of the free Super Syllables download. Laminate the main page. Cut, fold and laminate the syllable word strips – there are 10 to choose from which gives your little ones 50 words to practice with!
How to use
Start this activity as a group by working on it together, soon the kids will be able to work on them by themselves or with a partner.
- Choose a word list to work on.
- Say the word.
- Clap the number of syllables you hear (or jump or stamp your feet!)
- Divide the word: use a dry erase marker to draw lines through each word where they break into syllables. These don’t have to perfectly match the self-check answers on the back, as long as they’re approximate.
Count how many syllables make up the word- Turn the word list over to self-check the answers: try and go through the whole word list before turning to check.
PS It’s OK if kids are looking at the answers before doing it for themselves, they’ll still be learning.
I put pictures with each word because the focus is on syllables rather than reading and I don’t want kids to get bogged down with trying to decode each word. Especially since being a master syllable-ist will be a great help to struggling readers.
To make it quicker
Don’t worry about marking the syllables. Have your kids working in pairs and just verbally agree on the number. One minute is plenty of time to go through one list and practice those syllables!
Did you grab your Super Syllables free download yet? If not, here it is!
I wish you happy teaching and learning!
Awesome! Thank you so much. I’m thinking that I will use this in a parent night.
Oh, that’s a great idea, Jacqueline! I hadn’t thought about that before, these ‘when you only have a minute’ activities would be excellent for that kind of event.
This is GREAT! My kinders are going to LOVE it! Thank you so much!!
You’re very welcome, Melissa!
I’d like to say that Your ideas are gogreous! I’m deeply obliged to You for such an interesting material! I love it! Thaaaaank You
Thank you for your lovely compliment, Angelina! I’m glad you can make use of these teaching materials.
Thank you for sharing this great resource. It is just what I was looking for, Quick, easy, and independent!
We can never have too many quick and easy learning activities, Fiona! I hope your kids enjoy it!