Syllable Practice

The reading program that I use as a resource has a very strong vocabulary component that I love-partly because this was an area that I felt I was lacking in instruction. The program introduces 5 new vocabulary words each week that are used in the content stories we read. The reading program provides teachers with ideas for games that allow the students time to practice using the words in discussion as well as in writing. I added on a few dictionary tasks (3rd grade skill in my curriculum) throughout the week (locate and write the definition, part of speech and guide words, etc.) and I just made this syllable task (another skill in my curriculum) to be completed mid-way through the week once the students know the words.

I introduce syllabication as a spelling and reading strategy early on in the school year because the syllabication rules are a bit tricky for third graders. I used to teach first grade and always taught my firsties to use "robot talk"- put your hands up to your chin, say the word like a robot and count the number of times your chin touches your hand. I stuck with that and my third graders loved it! It's great for kinesthetic learners and at this point in the school year, no one needs to do the "robot" anymore. But, to help them remember how to separate words into syllables, I created this robot syllable practice page. You can have your kiddos use any words that you like, although I chose to use our 5 new vocabulary words because they are often multisyllabic. I use it as part of my students morning work each week. I think that repeated practice with syllabication will help the patterns and rules become more evident.



I seriously need to get better about noticing the extra white page in all my documents. Have a great week! I feel a linky party coming on...