Breaking words into syllables may sound like a simple task but, for many brand new readers, it can feel downright HARD. That’s why it’s so important to give students plenty of practice when you’re teaching syllables! And thankfully, this fun, no prep center makes it easy to do just that – just hit “print”.
Grab your copy below and then hop over to join our VIP teaching membership, The Science of Reading Formula, to unlock THOUSANDS of other brain-friendly, print-and-go teaching tools you and your students will love.
What Are Syllables?
Before teaching syllables to students, it’s important to first understand what they actually are. A syllable is a word chunk that includes at least one vowel sound. In the word elephant, for instance, there are three syllables: EL-E-PHANT. And in the word helicopter, there are four: HEL-I-COP-TER.
Learning to break words into syllables helps children build their phonological awareness – a critical step toward reading readiness. By learning to HEAR sounds in words, children’s brains prepare to READ those sounds in words later.
Teach Syllables with Body Tapping
The most effective way I’ve found to help students break words into syllables is to have them tap out the word chunks on their body like this:
- Students say the first syllable and tap the top of their hand.
- Students say the second syllable and tap their elbow.
- Students say the third syllable and tap their shoulder.
- Students say the fourth syllable and tap on top of their head.
For instance, tapping out the word helicopter would look and sound like this:
- Say “hel” and tap the top of the hand.
- Say “the second syllable”i” and tap the elbow.
- Say “cop” and tap the shoulder.
- Say “ter” and tap on top of the head.
Having students use cross-body, multi-sensory actions helps you teach syllables much easier and faster than just sounding them out.
BONUS TIP: If you ever second guess where syllable breaks are in words, use this free tool called “How Many Syllables”.
Spot the Syllables Center
When learning feels more like play than work, it’s always a win for students, so we designed this print-and-go syllable game with fun in mind. After teaching syllables with body tapping (above), it’s a great time to pass out these Spot the Syllable sheets.
To play, have children say each picture word out loud, count its syllables, and color the picture if it has the matching syllable count.
For instance, if they were working on the two-syllable sheet and came to the word monster, students would say, “Monster. Mon-ster.” Since it has two syllables, they would color the picture.
Kids will love that the activity is playful and active…
And YOU will love that it requires zero prep!
Just hit “print” and slide it into your literacy centers, morning work, or small groups. There are so many options with this one!
Grab the Freebie
When you’re ready to teach syllables, click the big blue “download here” button below to snag your center below and then hop over to join our VIP teaching membership, The Science of Reading Formula, to unlock THOUSANDS of other brain-friendly, print-and-go teaching tools.
