There are some things you learn once, and they will stick with you for life. 

Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.

Saying “Fe-BRU-ary” to yourself every time you spell it. 

Referring to PEMDAS for the order of mathematical operations. 

And even…

How to listen for syllables!

Build a Taste for Reading with Our Syllables Game

Use this resource in your reading center, as a guided reading activity, or a whole class exercise (see below) to practice segmenting words and counting up to 4 syllables.

To play, students will choose a sundae piece, say the word, and identify the number of syllables they hear. They then find the matching number sundae and put the scoop in place. Play continues like this until all the sundaes are complete!

Scaffolding + Extension Tips 

Challenge students who already understand the concept to produce additional words that have the same number of syllables.

Support students who need help understanding the concepts by showing them how to clap or tap as they count the number of syllables. 

More Activities

Use this resource as independent practice for fast finishers and full-class learning opportunities like scoot activities, lesson reviews, formative assessments, and more.

🧮 Syllable Sort (Beginner)

Have students sort the cards into piles of 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-syllable words. 

🛴 Scoot Activity (Beginner)

Place each of the 12 picture cards around the room. Ask students to stand up with a blank sheet of paper numbered 1-12 to use as a recording sheet. Assign one card to each student (or pair) to start, having them rotate through each of the cards to write on their recording sheet how many syllables each word on the picture cards contains. 

NOTE: We suggest printing a second set of cards for this activity that you can number.

👂 Spell It Out (Advanced)

Use the cards to show students how breaking words down into their syllables can help them as they learn to spell. Choose 4 cards, one for each number of syllables, and project them on your smartboard. Working together as a class, sound out the words a syllable at a time by asking students which phonemes they hear. Write the words on the board as the students match up the sounds to the letters. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. 

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This resource was created by Lindsey Phillips, a teacher in Michigan and Teach Starter Collaborator. 

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Break up your syllable lessons with these activities and teaching resources: