Identifying syllables in words is helpful for accurate spelling. Breaking words into syllables is a great strategy when taking a spelling test. It is something competent spellers do. Accurate spelling is not the only benefit of well-developed syllabication skills. It helps with decoding and reading new words. It also fosters good speech habits. Here are a few ideas of how to practice syllables with children.
1. Name Clapping - Clapping out (first names) is a high-interest activity because children are curious about the number of syllables in their own names and they love the sound of their classmates saying their names out loud in unison. Other than a pair of hands, no materials are needed!
2. Pocket Chart Center - Counting the number of syllables in first names can be extended with a pocket chart literacy center. The pocket chart center is simple to set up. Write the children's names on cards using a different color marker . This is a very easy station to set up. Write the children's names on cards using a different color marker for each name. Put the name cards in one or two columns on the pocket chart. Place a bag containing several copies of the numeral cards for each name. Put the name cards in one or two columns on the pocket chart. Place a bag containing several copies of the numeral cards from 1 to 4 next to the pocket chart. When students are assigned the center, they position the appropriate numeral cards to the right of the students' names according to the number of syllables. (If there is a name with more than four syllable, add numeral cards for 5, 6, or however high needed.) Make an answer key so students can check their center work.
3. Syllable Puzzle Center - The name cards can be repurposed and made into a puzzle center. Cut the name cards between syllables. For instance, if the child's name is "Julie", cut between the letters "u" and "l". Since each name card is assigned a different color, students will quickly sort the names and put their classmates' names back together syllable by syllable. Utilize the syllable puzzle center idea with weekly spelling lists. This additional practice may cause a significant improvement in spelling test scores with a student struggling to spell words.
4. Final Syllable Movement - Everyone stands in front of their desks. The teacher determines an action such as jumping up and down. The teacher says the final syllable of a student's name. The student completes the action. More than one student could be involved in the action. For instance, saying, "lee" when "Mollie" and "Kelly" are in the class, they'll both be jumping! (Students that have single syllable names will listen for their full first names. During the activity, a child named "Lee", will be jumping with "Mollie" and "Kelly"!).
5. Connecting with Core Subjects - Use science and social studies vocabulary words to practice breaking words apart into syllables. A unit on mammals could include a syllabication activity with relevant words such as dog, cat, elephant, dolphin, lion, tiger, or rabbit. The activity reinforces their knowledge of animals within the group while determining the number of syllables in words.
6. Educator Created Games - Use games designed to practicing counting syllables. They can be board games, memory matching games, bingo games, or anything else imaginable.
Here are some engaging syllable games for small groups. These games are age-appropriate for second and third graders. Two to four players are needed. Students in first grade that have acquired reading skills will also enjoy the games.
One game is called "Confetti Yeti!" It features words with one or two syllable. Players determine the number of syllables from the word printed on the cards they withdraw. Then they take the same number of confetti cards. They use the confetti cards to cover their yetis. The winner is the player that covers his/her yeti first. There are 16 spaces on the game board to cover, and each player gets an individual game board.
The second game has words with two or three syllables. The name of the game is, "Oh My Stars!". the object of the game is the same as "Confetti Yeti!" Students withdraw a word card, count the number of syllables and cover the unicorns with stars. The first player to cover both of their unicorns is the winner.
Game guides allow players to check the number of syllables in words. The game guide is like an answer key and is helpful when they are unsure about the number of syllables. Print it front/back to create a single sheet reference.
There are 100 word cards in each game. Do not use the complete set (100 cards) in one sitting of the game. Switch the words out, challenging students with a variety of syllable types. Collectively, the 200 words selected include open syllables, closed syllables, short vowels, silent e pattern words, r-controlled vowels (ar, er, or, and ur), stable syllable "le", diphthongs ou and ow, as well as a few vowel teams. If interested in these games or the bundle version, click on the images below.
If interested in these games or would like to purchase the bundle version and receive both games, click on the images below.
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