beyond the playroom

purposeful play

teaching syllables

language and literacy

clap out words

Teaching syllables to kids is really fun and simple with this great game!  
 
Clap Out Words quickly became one of our favorites in my classroom as well as at home!
 
First, show your child how to “clap out” a word by saying a word and clapping to each syllable.
 
Example
Elephant would be 
el-e-phant
Clapping once for each syllable.
 
Clap out words and names that have a lot of meaning and significance to your child. You can also clap out silly words that make you both laugh! Have your child take a turn picking out the words. You can even use nonsense or made-up words!
 
Variations
  • Jump to each syllable
  • Throw a ball back and forth for each syllable
  • Play a note on a instrument for each syllable
teaching syllables

language and literacy

benefits of teaching syllables

why teach syllables?

Teaching syllables is incredibly important as syllables are the phonological building blocks of words.  Teaching kids how to divide words into chunks is an important early reading skill and will greatly increase your child’s ability to decode words.  Learning how to divide a word into syllables will also improve a child’s ability to write and spell correctly. 

Benefits of teaching syllables

  • Fun with word play
  • Encourages experimenting with words and sounds
  • Teaches the concept of syllables
  • Isolates and reinforces beginning, middle and ending sounds in words
  • Promotes phonological awareness

  Materials needed

  • none                 

purposeful play

more literacy fun for kids

View more word play fun from
The Measured Mom
Get inspired by the many simple yet purposeful ways to help children develop a rich literacy foundation

purposeful play

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