What are syllables?
Syllables are word parts that contain a single vowel sound. Every word has at least one syllable, and some words have many syllables.
- cat → 1 syllable
- tiger → 2 syllables (ti-ger)
- elephant → 3 syllables (el-e-phant)
Clap your hands for each vowel sound you hear in a word to count the syllables.
Closed syllables
A closed syllable ends with a consonant. The vowel sound is usually short.
- cat → short a
- hot → short o
- basket → bas-ket (both syllables are closed)
If a vowel is followed by a consonant and the syllable ends there, the vowel is often short.
Open syllables
An open syllable ends with a vowel. The vowel sound is usually long.
- go → long o
- me → long e
- ti-ger → the first syllable “ti” is open
When a syllable ends with a single vowel, it usually says its long sound (like the vowel’s name).
Silent e syllables
A silent e syllable ends with an “e” that is not pronounced. The silent “e” makes the vowel before it long.
- cake → long a
- home → long o
- bike → long i
Remember: “Silent e” makes the vowel say its name.
R-controlled syllables
An r-controlled syllable has a vowel followed by the letter “r.” The “r” changes the sound of the vowel.
- car → ar
- her → er
- bird → ir
- corn → or
When “r” follows a vowel, the vowel does not make a regular short or long sound. Listen carefully to the change.
Vowel team syllables
A vowel team syllable has two vowels together that make one sound. The sound can be long, short, or another vowel sound.
- team → ea says long e
- boat → oa says long o
- rain → ai says long a
Remember the rhyme: “When two vowels go walking, the first one does the talking.” But there are exceptions, so practice them.