In this activity, you will help your child to identify syllables in spoken words by clapping for each syllable. Being able to hear and identify syllables will help your child learn to read and spell.
Learning Area(s): Reading and Writing
MATERIALS
- None
LET'S PLAY
Think of a simple word your child would know (for example: table, fork, baby).
Introduce the game to your child by saying something like: “Let’s play a word game. I am thinking of the word ‘baby.’ We are going to clap the number of parts in the word ‘baby.’”
Show her how to clap one time as you say each part or syllable: /ba/ (clap) /by/ (clap). When clapping out syllables, hold your hands wide apart when you are saying the syllables. Making a “big clap” helps children to hear and see the number of syllables. Try to have your child clap and say the syllable at the same time.
Now try it with words that have different numbers of syllables. Examples:
- One syllable words: fork, knife, spoon, car, straw, door
- Two syllable words: table, window, cracker, napkin, pizza
- Three syllable words: banana, strawberry, lemonade
To introduce variety in this activity, change clapping to tapping on the table, drumming on a drum or a large upside down bowl, or doing one jumping jack for each syllable.
TIPS
- Have your child put her hand under her chin and say the word slowly so she can feel when her chin goes down. Be sure to explain that each time her chin goes down, she’s saying another part of the same word.
- When clapping out syllables, hold your hands wide apart when you are saying the syllables. Making a “big clap” helps them to hear and see the number of syllables.
- Try clapping for each syllable in the names of family members, things you see around the room, or silly words that make you and your child laugh!