The BEST way to teach Struggling Readers: Syllable Division Explained

By Aja McNair

Have you ever taught a child who struggled to read a word that they’ve never seen before? Well, I’m here to teach you how to break down those tricky words into smaller parts, called syllables, so that your children can read them like a pro! Today we’re going to learn all about Syllable Division.

What is Syllable Division?

So, what is Syllable Division, you ask? It’s a way to break down long, unfamiliar words into smaller parts so that you can read them easily. It's a technique of breaking down words into syllables by using the 7 different syllable types and 3 spelling patterns as guidance.

How to do Syllable Division?

In order to know how to teach syllable division, you need to identify the vowels in the word. Then, you find the consonants or consonant blends that are between the vowels. This will tell you how many vowels and consonants are in each syllable.

Once you’ve identified the syllables, you need to know the different Syllable Types. Each type has its own set of rules to help you know how to pronounce the word correctly. Determine if the syllables are open or closed. If they are open syllables, the vowels will make the long vowel sound and if they are closed syllables, the vowels will make the short vowel sound.

What are Different Syllable Types?

In order to know how to teach syllable division correctly, your students must know the different syllable types. There are open syllables, closed syllables, magic E syllables, controlled syllables, and consonant E syllables. Each type has its own set of rules to help you know how to pronounce the word correctly. 

To learn more about the different syllable types, here is everything you need to know about teaching the Different Syllable Types.

Syllable Division Rules

Now let’s talk about the different Syllable Division rules. The most common ones are VC/CV, V/CV, and VC/V. With VC/CV, the first syllable is closed and the vowel will use its short vowel sound. With V/CV, the first syllable is open and the vowel will use it's long vowel sound. On contrary, with VC/V, the first syllable is closed and the vowel will use its short vowel sound.These rules will help you know where to divide the word into syllables. 

These FREE Syllable Types and Syllable Division Rules Posters can help you learn more.

Syllable Division Words or Syllable Division Examples

Now, let's put how to teach syllable division in action.

Syllable Division for Fantastic

Let's go over the syllable division for fantastic. There are three different syllables in this word: fan - tas - tic. You would mark all the vowels in the word and then mark the consonants in between the words. Next, you see the spelling pattern VC/CV. So this tells us exactly where to divide the syllables. Next, determine if the syllables are open or closed. Since they are all closed syllables, the vowels will make the short vowel sound.

Syllable Division for Lemon

Let's keep the party going with the syllable division for lemon. There are two different syllables in this word: lem - on. You would mark all the vowels in the word and then mark the consonants in between the words. Next, you see the spelling pattern VC/V. So this tells us exactly where to divide the syllables. Next, determine if the syllables are open or closed. Since they are all closed syllables, the vowels will make the short vowel sound.

Syllable Division for Robin

Here is the syllable division for robin. There are two different syllables in this word: rob - in. You would mark all the vowels in the word and then mark the consonants in between the words. Next, you see the spelling pattern VC/V. So this tells us exactly where to divide the syllables. Next, determine if the syllables are open or closed. Since they are all closed syllables, the vowels will make the short vowel sound.

Syllable Division for Cabin

One more time! Here is the syllable division for cabin. There are two different syllables in this word: cab - in. You would mark all the vowels in the word and then mark the consonants in between the words. Next, you see the spelling pattern VC/V. So this tells us exactly where to divide the syllables. Next, determine if the syllables are open or closed. Since they are all closed syllables, the vowels will make the short vowel sound.

Syllable Division Activities

But how can you practice Syllable Division? My favorite activity is to use an interactive notebook, which is like a mini workbook that you can use to practice breaking down words into syllables. Each day children practice 3-5 words in their interactive notebook and they can use their interactive notebook as their notes. You can grab a done-for-you syllable division interactive notebook in the course, Syllable Bootcamp, which will give you all the tools and resources you need to master Syllable Division and improve your student's reading skills.

If you want to learn more about Syllable Division, check out my video where I explain everything in more detail. And don’t forget to grab your FREE Syllable Type posters to help you remember all the different types and rules!