Syllables · Grade R
A syllable is a beat in a word. Each syllable has one vowel sound. cat has one syllable, rab-bit has two and el-e-phant has three. Clapping or tapping the beats helps you count them, and splitting a long word into syllables makes it easier to read and spell.
Key facts
- Clap as you say the word slowly: one clap for each beat. but-ter-fly: three claps, three syllables.
- Every syllable has a vowel sound: com-pu-ter (o, u, e).
- Split between double consonants: rab-bit, but-ton, hap-py.
- Split a compound word between its two words: sun-shine, foot-ball.
- To spell a long word, say it one syllable at a time and write each part: hos-pi-tal → hospital.
Worked examples
Example 1
How many syllables are there in banana?
Answer: 3
Example 2
Split kitten into syllables.
Answer: kit-ten
Example 3
Put the syllables together: cal + cu + la + tor
Answer: calculator