Syllable division is a systematic approach to decoding unknown words. By learning about each syllable type, your child will be able to eventually decode any word, whether that be a real word or a nonsense word. A good rule of thumb is if your child can immediately decode the word, they don't need to syllable divide it. But if they don't know the word right away and can't successfully read it, then they can use the syllable division process to help them read it.
A syllable must have at least one vowel.
Here is an overview of the 6 syllable types:
1. Closed Syllable
This should be the first syllable type introduced because it is the most common type of syllable in the English language. This syllable is named "closed" because it has a pattern of VC or CVC (V stands for vowel and C stands for consonant). The vowel is "closed" in by a consonant. Closed syllables usually have a short vowel sound. Examples of a closed syllable include cat, up, rid, lug, etc.
2. Open Syllable
These syllables have the pattern of CV or V. It is "open" because the vowel is not followed by a consonant. Vowels usually have a long sound. Examples of open syllables include go, lu, o, etc.)
3. Magic E Syllable
These syllables have a long vowel sound because there is a magic E at the end of them. Their pattern follows a CVCe pattern. Magic E is also named a silent E or sneaky E because you can't hear the "e" but it makes the vowel before it says its' name.
4. Vowel Team Syllable
These syllables contain vowel teams, which are two vowels that produce one sounds. Examples of vowel teams are: ee, ea, ou, ui, etc. A vowel team syllable pattern can look like VV, CVV, CVVC.
5. Bossy R Syllable
These are syllables that have a r-controlled vowel. When a vowel is immediately followed by a "r", the vowel sound becomes distorted (ex: ar, er, ir, or, ur). The vowel no longer has a short or long sound. Because of this distinction, they are called "bossy r" syllables. Their pattern can look like: Vr, CVr.
6. Consonant + LE Syllable
These are syllables that can only occur at the end of a word. They have a very specific pattern that looks like: Cle. The 2nd syllable in the words puzzle, tumble, table are considered C+le syllables.
Make sure your child has a good understanding of each syllable before learning a new one. Over time, they will start recognizing these syllable patterns in unknown words which will help them decode the words independently! Look out for a part two to this blog post explaining more on the process of syllable division.
Written by Madison Dwyer