Closed Syllable vs. Open Syllable – What’s the Difference?

Learning to read and write open and closed syllables is necessary when decoding multisyllabic words. Reading a smaller part of a word can help students break down longer words into more manageable chunks and assist them in discovering spelling patterns. 

Match Closed and Open Syllable Rainbows

This hands-on resource has been designed to help your students explore open and closed syllables in a collaborative way. It can be used for individual instruction in your literacy groups or as a supplemental activity for early finishers. 

To play, students must match the underlined part of the word with its correct syllable type to complete the rainbows.

Get More Out of Our Open and Closed Syllables Activity

There’s more than one way to use these matching cards in your classroom! Check out a few ideas for taking this game to the next level. 

Memory Match

Bonus points for this version of the game as it helps develop students’ memories! A game for two players, students shuffle the picture cards and lay them all face down. Each player takes their turn flipping two cards at a time until they find a matching set. Then the turn ends, and the student sets the pair aside to keep score. The player with the most matches at the end of the game is the winner!

Scoot Activity

Place each of the word cards around the room. Ask students to stand up with a numbered sheet of blank paper to use as a recording sheet. Assign one card to each student (or pair) to start, then have them rotate through each of the cards. Students must write on their recording sheet whether the coloured/underlined portion is an open or closed syllable.

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Because this resource includes an answer sheet, we recommend you print one copy of the entire file. Then, print the game cards on thick card for added durability and longevity.

Place all game parts in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Before You Download

Use the drop-down icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or editable Google Slides version of this resource. Both colour and black and white versions are available.  

This resource was created by Lisamarie Del Valle, a Teach Starter collaborator.