Being able to learn the number of syllables in words is a crucial skill for beginning readers. Activities that focus on syllables provide opportunities to strengthen reading and spelling skills. These activities teach children how to break words into smaller chunks which makes words much easier to read, write, and spell. These 12 sensational syllable activities will help your preschooler master dividing words into syllables which will increase their reading skills.
1. Valentine Syllable Game
Preschool syllable games are fun any day of the year, but this activity brings lots of fun for Valentine's Day. To play this syllable game, preschoolers will take turns choosing a card. Next, they will identify the picture and count the syllables in the word. Finally, they will place the card in the correct mailbox.
Learn more: Pre-K Pages
2. Build a Snowman
This is one of the cutest and most creative syllable activities! Preschoolers will enjoy this winter-themed snowman activity. Use some white poms or cotton balls for the body to represent the syllables in each word. Children will love building snowmen of different sizes.
Learn more: Fantastic Fun and Learning
3. Bug Syllable Count
The majority of children love a variety of bugs! Glue the bug picture cards on popsicle sticks that are painted green and make small grass cups filled with dried green peas for a cute syllable game. Preschoolers should count the syllables in each word and then stick the bug card in the correctly numbered cup.
Learn more: Pocket of Preschool
4. Summer Syllable Cards
This cute clothespin clip activity is designed to help preschoolers practice syllable counting. Using clothespins encourages fine motor development; however, you can also use tokens or buttons to place on the correct syllable number.
Learn more: Pocketful of Centers
5. Dot the Syllables
These syllable worksheets make a great marker activity! This simple activity provides syllable counting practice for preschoolers. They practice slowly saying each word while breaking the word into small chunks or syllables. Then, they place a marker dot on the correct number of syllables.
Learn more: This Reading Mama
6. Rain Cloud Syllable Sorting
This cute weather activity is a terrific rain cloud syllable sorting activity! It provides your preschooler with a fun way to practice syllable identification. Children will match the raindrops to the clouds based on the number of syllables identified in the words.
Learn more: From ABCs to ACTs
7. Pool Noodle Syllable Caterpillar
This hands-on activity focuses on syllables, and it is super easy and inexpensive to make. Show preschoolers picture cards of items that consist of 1 to 3 syllables. Once students have identified the picture, have them place the correct number of pool noodle pieces on the caterpillar’s body as they say the syllables in each word.
Learn more: Pre-K Pages
8. Syllable Station
Active children love this syllable station! Preschool students can look at pictures and read the words. Then, they use the hand clappers to clap the number of syllables in each word and circle the correct number. This is a fun and excellent strategy!
Learn more: Kickin' It In Kindergarten
9. Syllable Sticks
Practice syllables with a pair of rhythm sticks! When children are allowed the opportunity to clap out syllables, it helps them in developing phonological awareness. It is crucial that they learn to hear, process, and understand the various sounds in words. This skill is needed before they can blend sounds. Let the children take a word and divide it into syllables as they clap the sticks together for each one!
Learn more: In the Playroom
10. Counting Syllables
This is one of the most playful activities for practicing syllable counting. All you need is a few plastic hammers, paint chip strips, and Play-Doh. Put a small ball of Play-Doh on each paint chip square and show your preschooler the item. Have them hit each ball of Play-Doh for each syllable in the word.
Learn more: Conversations in Literacy
11. Syllables Car Race
This is one of the most fun syllable activities for preschoolers! They can race their cars down the racetrack by counting the syllables of each transportation word. This fun and engaging game will also increase your preschooler's vocabulary while they practice syllable counting.
Learn more: Turner Tots
12. Syllable Sorting Mat
Enjoy this free printable mat for syllable sorting! Provide your preschoolers with a basket of items that are 1 to 4 syllable words. Have your preschoolers sort the items and place them on the appropriately numbered area of the mat. Kids love this activity!
Learn more: You Clever Monkey
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