Multisensory Monday: Syllable Clap

Writing can be a difficult task for students. Spelling unknown words may stop students from writing their ideas down on paper. If students understand words are made of syllables, they can count and listen for the syllables.

Syllables are a unit of pronunciation. One unit can have a consonant, but each unit always has a vowel sound. Each word contains a different number of syllables. When students can separate syllables in a word, this prepares them to spell.

When teaching children to separate syllables in a word, they are taught to clap or tap each part of the word. One way to teach how to find a syllable is by putting the back of your hand under your chin. As you say the word, your mouth will drop. Each time your chin drops that is a syllable.

Practice with this task will build students' confidence. Here is a game to make to practicing listening skills and counting syllables fun!

Printable game boards can be found here.

How To Play

One Player:

The student will choose a word from the card deck and verbally say it.  They will either clap, tap or put their hand under their chin to count the number of syllables.

The student will take a number card that matches the amount of syllables in the word they said and place it on the appropriate picture.

A friend, teacher, or parent can check the child’s work and take off the incorrect numbers. If the student picked an incorrect number of syllables, they can retry, or the adult/friend can assist the child by helping count the syllables.

Two Players:

Player one chooses a word from the card deck and then announces the word on the card. He/she will either clap, tap or put their hand under their chin to count the syllables.

Player one will then take a number that matches the amount of syllables in the word they just said, and place it on the picture.

The second player will do the same with a different image. An adult, friend or teacher can check the child’s work. Together the players re-clap the word and place a number on the picture.

Written by Karen Oliverio