Friday, May 26, 2023

Syllables

Throughout the year in grade three, we have talked about syllables within words. At this point, most students can proficiently identify words with "open", "closed" and "magic e type" syllable rules.  We will continue to work on mastering the remaining types of syllables in longer words.   

Why teach about syllables?

• Dividing words into parts, or "chunks" helps speed the process of decoding.
• Knowing the rules for syllable division can students read words more accurately and fluently.
• Understanding syllables can also help students learn to spell words correctly.

Syllables at Home

One of the "games" we play is having "chunks" of words written on to note cards, paper or white boards. Students then arrange the "chunks" into proper word order. Students also enjoy clapping, stomping or jumping out the syllables of longer words. 

For example clap one time as you say each syllable: /ap/ (clap) /ple/ (clap). 

    • One syllable words: fork, knife, spoon, car, straw, door 

    • Two syllable words: table, baby, cracker, napkin, pizza 

    • Three syllable words: banana, strawberry, lemonade

A helpful hint when determining the number of syllables in a word is by placing your hand under your chin. Each time the jaw "drops" is a syllable of the chosen word. (We don’t worry about directly asking how many syllables are in the word, that is not the focus of the task. Instead focus on "chunking" to help read and spell the word correctly.)