Teaching words with two syllables
My favorite part of teaching two-syllable words is when students are ready to take the next step in reading and spelling. However, it can also be a challenge for struggling readers. Firstly, I would like to discuss some of the common errors I see when students learn to read and spell two-syllable words for the first time. Make sure to check our virtual blending and segmenting board.
Struggling to write

Struggling to write vowel letters for each syllable

Struggling to read 2 longer words

Which vowel to choose

Teach blending 2 or 3-syllable words


How to split 2-syllable words with Open & Closed Syllables
When teaching two-syllable words, it is important to differentiate between open and closed syllables. An open syllable typically has a long vowel sound, while a closed syllable has a short vowel sound. In order to help students understand this concept, you can have them clap out the number of beats in each word.
For example, the word ‘table’ would be clapped out as ‘ta-ble’, while the word ‘chair’ would be clapped out as ‘cha-ir’. This will help them to identify which syllable has the long vowel sound. Additionally, you can have students break the word up into syllables by saying each one slowly and then put it back together at normal speed. For instance, they would say ‘ta-ble’ as slow as possible and then say it quickly. By doing this exercise, they will start to recognize how open and closed syllables sound when put together in a word.
There are 6 syllable types that help decode words in the English language. Today, I’m going to get you started with the first two syllable types: open and closed syllables.
Perfect Partners
Syllable Division Rules. All You Need To Know
What is the Schwa? Read This Now If You Want To Know All About Schwa?
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