Why learn syllables

Breaking words into syllables. Counting syllables. Blending sounds: teachers' tips. Practise two-syllable words. Count the syllables in animal names. Spelling words with three syllables.

Three-syllable words. Say the word and count the number of times your jaw drops. Search Enter Search Terms Here Home How to Teach Syllable Types How to Teach Syllable Types A syllable is "a letter, or combination of letters, uttered together, or at a single effort or impulse of the voice," according to Webster's dictionary.

The consonant-le pattern differs from Magic E. While both syllable types contain a silent-e at the end the consonant-le syllable pattern contains two individual consonant sounds before the silent-e. As students progress through the syllable types and patterns found in our English language they will encounter some additional syllable types.

One of those is the schwa. The schwa is the most common spoken vowel sound in our language. It is represented by the upside-down e symbol.

The schwa phoneme will typically make a short u or short i sound. It occurs in multisyllabic words and only in unaccented syllables. The schwa phoneme is referred to as a reduced vowel. Encoding words that contain a schwa can be more challenging than decoding. When using a systematic structured approach it is advantageous for younger students to learn the syllable types in conjunction with the phonics instruction.

For example, if encoding spelling of one syllable Magic E words is being done with students then layering in the decoding of multisyllabic words with that same pattern will enhance our students reading decoding skills within text.

The student can spell with one syllable as we teach them to read that same syllable pattern with multisyllabic words. This makes for an easier transition into encoding two-syllable words with that Magic E pattern.

As we transition students into more independent practice with syllable division strategies we can introduce centers, games, and other interactive activities. Syllable Division strategies can unlock the world of reading for older students who struggle to decode words. Older students may have a strong oral vocabulary and once they can decode the word they are then able to put that word into the context of their reading.

By exaggerating the pronunciation of words and the syllables in words, it is easier to remember how they are spelled. Do you want to read more about the benefits of dividing syllables? Check out Phonics on the Web.