When learning to read, students are encouraged to decode words by looking at the sum of their parts—not only as phonemes but also as syllables. 

Syllable counting breaks words into more digestible “chunks” for early learners’ ears to hear, making it easier to sound out and spell words accurately and with greater fluency. 

In this syllable sort activity, students will look at picture cards and count the number of syllables in the word each represents, categorizing them into 1, 2, or 3 syllables. 

Fall Activities – Syllable Count and Sort Activity

This resource to practice segmenting and counting syllables in words. It can be used as a reading station activity, for individual instruction in your guided reading group, or early finishers. 

To use, the students will identify the pictures, segment the words into syllables, and sort cards by the number of syllables in each word. 

Get More out of Our Syllables Activity 

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

Memory Game

You can also use this resource as a phonics game for two players; students will shuffle the picture cards and lay them all face down. Each player takes their turn by flipping two cards at a time until either finds two words with the same number of syllables (e.g., bus and clock) and sets the pair aside to keep score. 

See It, Say It, Spell It

Use the cards to show students how breaking words down into their syllables can help them as they learn to spell. Choose three 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 and ask students what letters they hear. Write the words on the board as the students match the sounds to the letters. 

Differentiate Syllable Activities For Everyone!

Fast finishers can take this activity further by sorting the picture cards and putting them in alphabetical order. You can also ask them to think of more words they know with 1, 2, or 3 syllables. Ask them to draw pictures of those words and write the number of syllables each has below the drawing. 

If your students are having trouble identifying each word’s syllables, show them how to clap it out. This makes sounding out words fun (they love to make noise!). Plus, students engage multiple senses while working on their phonological awareness.  

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print the sorting mats and cards on cardstock 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. An answer key is also included with this download.

This resource was created by Lisamarie Del Valle, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

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