Syl - la - bles
I would like to begin by saying that these are my thoughts and opinions based on the research I have read, how I have interpreted that research, and the successes I have had with my own students as a practitioner. As with anything, please have a read but also do further reading and research into this topic. It really is fascinating, especially if you have a loved one who needs support in strengthening their language skills.
What are Syllables?
Syllables are a tool that can be used as a building block for reading and spelling skills. There are six types of syllables (some say seven because they separate vowel teams and diphthongs). You can pick up my Syllable Organizer here! Syllables are defined by the placement of the vowel and surrounding consonants and what the vowel sound would be. Syllables should be taught directly and explicitly, moving from simple to complex. There is a difference between spoken and written syllables. The short of it is that the guidelines for written syllables are used to help the learner know how to read and spell the word. I list resources for syllable info at the end of the post. A great (and quick read) about syllables can be found here.
Why Teach Syllables?
Did you know that our language is highly predictable? So wait, that means there is only a small portion of our language that my student needs to analyze to understand the irregular parts of the word? The GOOD NEWS is there is a structure to our language and learning it will improve reading and spelling skills tremendously! It also means that your kindergartner does not need to memorize a list of 100 words in the first semester. No more homework tears or gnashing of teeth with word rings….we can repurpose those word rings…...more on that in another blog post.
Syllables give us guidelines. They help us find the vowel and what is (or is not) surrounding the vowel and give us clues for the expected vowel sounds. Syllables can give us checkpoints to determine if a vowel sound will be long, short, controlled by the r, or unexpected. Syllables are a tool for reading and spelling skills. Once a student understands the patterns of a syllable, they begin to logically group letters together within words. This could move them from reading on a sound-by-sound level to mapping the pattern of the syllable and knowing how to read it more fluently and efficiently. We are pattern-seeking beings. Our eyes are scanning for patterns and logical ways to group content (see Proust and the Squid by Dr. Maryanne Wolf). One of the greatest tools syllables can be used for is to help a learner move into words with more than one syllable. For example, let’s say you have a high school student who is given this list of words:
If the student has language-based challenges, their first reaction may be that of failure, frustration, apathy, and perceived lack of effort.
But what if you as the homeschool parent, teacher, or practitioner use syllables as a tool to make these words accessible to them? You begin by reviewing the checkpoints for the syllable types. You provide these syllables on individual cards. You have the student code the vowel sounds or patterns of the syllables and then you have them put the cards together.
Magic! They now see they have the knowledge, tools, and strategies to attack unfamiliar words. In their mind, it now might look like this:
So what about morphology? I do teach and I am a huge fan of giving our learners the gift of morphology. In fact, I want my students to get there as quickly as possible. However, while they are working hard at increasing their bank of morphemes, they can learn six types of syllables. Learning how to combine/divide the types, gives them success in reading and spelling words that are grade and age-appropriate. Why wouldn’t I give them that tool? You would be correct to say that once they do know a fair amount of morphemes they will analyze the words above differently. This would be something to celebrate. It would mean they would have gone from limited to no tools, to two tools in their toolbox for approaching a word: syllabication and morphology.
Teaching Tips for Syllables:
Teach them directly and explicitly - one at a time (some exceptions)
Give plenty of practice
For older students, avoid using examples like dog, pot, etc. Use parts of words or morphemes like struct, ject, rupt.
Make sure to go back and teach (with plenty of practice) how to combine and divide the syllable types.
Where to Start -
Review the definition of a syllable
Introduce the new syllable type with the checkpoints (Check out the Resource Center for helpful slideshows)
Provide an example and walk the student through it with the checkpoints (I do!)
Guide the student through the checkpoints using another example (We do!)
Have students work through additional examples on their own while verbalizing the checkpoints as they look at the pattern. (You do!)
Use a variety of each syllable so that students can see diverse examples. For instance when providing closed syllable examples, use words (when the student is ready) like the suggestions below to show how the VC pattern is present in each one. Ex: at, just, flip, blast
Use the C.L.O.V.E.R acronym. Closed, Consonant - Le, Open, Vowel Team, Silent E, R Controlled. You can pick up my version of the C.L.O.V.E.R in the Resource Center.
Take a look at my blog post for ideas on incorporating sorts and games into your syllable review and literacy centers.
Additional Resources:
Everything You Want to Know & Exactly Where to Find It
Solving Language Difficulties: Remedial Routines
Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills
Once Upon a Phonogram includes introductory pages and decodable passages for each syllable type.
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