Listening For Syllables

A syllable is defined as an uninterrupted segment of speech. All syllables have one common element, a vowel. A syllable could be one letter, such as "E" in E-li" or several letters, such as "Gra" in "Gra-cie."
Help children hear the parts of words by using familiar words like their names. Be sure to speak clearly and at a slower than normal pace, but be careful not to make each syllable sound like a separate word. It is easy for children to confuse these two topics. Before starting an activity, take time to model the process and share several samples.

Identifying syllables is a step towards hearing even smaller parts of words called phonemes.
Children need to be able to feel the parts of words as they say them. Coordinate a physical movement with each syllable in a word. Students love to clap, tap, stomp, nod and snap syllables in words. The movement helps make the connection for many learners.  Help children understand that the word "car-pet" gets two claps, one for each syllable. It is more important for children to hear each syllable than it is for them to identify the actual number of syllables in a word. Hearing syllables is a tool that will help children unlock print.

Check out these syllable activities.
Syllable Activities