Word Patterns

Activity Overview

In this activity, students will examine natural patterns within words. Knowing how to anticipate and count out the “rhythm” of syllables will help students to understand the structure of a word. A syllable is a “unit” of pronunciation; each syllable counts a vowel sound. Connecting the expected repetition of syllables within a word will help students to develop both decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling) skills. Syllables are yet another example of how units, patterning, counting and rhythm may exist unexpectedly in everyday life!

**Please preview this video to decide if it is a match for your student**

What You Need

• Syllables video on Epic!

• Syllable Puzzle Cards

• Scissors

• Optional: coloring utensils (markers, colored pencils, crayons etc.)

Steps

1. Watch the Syllables video on Epic! Clap and count along to identify syllables in each word.

2. Print out the Syllable Puzzle cards. If preferred, color them in and talk about how to correctly pronounce each word. Clap and count syllables to each word, and cut the strips as you go.

3. Mix up the pieces and reassemble the words while clapping out each syllable. It is recommended that you keep the syllable attached to the coordinating section of the image for easy independent self-correction. If you think your student is ready for a challenge, the syllable pieces could be cut separately.

Guiding Questions

• What is a syllable? (the way you count vowel sounds in a word)

• How do you know how many syllables are in a word?

• How many syllables are in your name? (other family members’ names?)

• What words do you know with two syllables? Three syllables? Four syllables? (challenge: do you know any words with five or more syllables?)

Extensions

• To review rhythm and counting out beats, try Rhythm Sticks

• Use the blank cards included in the template to create your own Syllable Puzzles