Syllable awareness

What is 'syllable awareness'?

Syllable awareness relates to counting, tapping, mouthing (hand under chin to count chin drops), blending or segmenting words using syllables which will prepare a child for the skill of blending individual sounds into whole words.

Why it matters

By learning to hear, clap, or count syllables in words, children gain a better understanding of word structure, which supports their ability to segment and blend sounds when they begin to read. Syllable awareness also helps with spelling, as children start to recognise patterns in how syllables are combined to form words.

Activities using Cami's Reading
Adventure Card Set

Choose a card. ‘Say the word. How many syllables can you count?’
learn-to-read-with-cami-syllable-awareness-teaching-activities.webp

Teaching tips

  • Tapping or clapping the beats in the word may help with counting the syllables.
  • Using counters may help with keeping track when counting.
  • Using a mirror may help as the chin drops are visible as we say a word.
  • This activity can be made more relatable by counting the syllables in the names of family members.
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