It is important to understand open and closed syllables, because the most common way to represent a long vowel sound in English is by a single letter. (See long vowel patterns and chart at Author Wiley Blevins.) The first part of the Phonics Pow Toolkit uses primarily one syllable words, but the final section includes multi-syllable words and covers open and closed syllables in two syllable words.
These words can be tricky, especially when there is one middle consonant. The word may divide before the consonant, making the first syllable open and long (says it’s name) like in TIGER. Or the word may divide after the middle consonant, closing the first syllable and making it short like in ROBIN.
Be/gin with long, Vis/it short
Since more words are like TIGER with the first syllable long (60%), try that way first to see if it is a recognizable word. If it is not try it with the short vowel sound.
Examples of words with the first syllable open and the vowel is long are: pa|per, be|gin, ti|ger, ro|bot, mu|sic.
Examples of words with the first syllable closed and the vowel is short are: trav|el, ex|it, vis|it, rob|in, pun|ish.
Available at Teachers Pay Teachers: Tiger and Camel Words Soccer Game and Syllable Animal Set with Tiger and Camel Word Board Game. Free online word sort. See also More Ways Vowels Can be Long.
The Schwa sound in two syllable words
In words with more than one syllable, one syllable is stressed or given more emphasis. Other syllables are unstressed, or unaccented. The schwa sound can occur in an unaccented syllable, so it is heard more often in words with more than one syllable. Did you notice the second syllable of ROBIN has a Schwa sound? ˈrŏbən. So does CAMEL – kăməl.
- The second syllable of these words have an /uh/ sound similar to a short u: wagon, denim, driven, solid.
- The second syllable of these words have the /ul/ sound: camel, pedal, civil, model. See more about /ul/ variations.
- Notice that schwa can be present in words with consonant-le (like TURTLE, where the vowel in the second syllable sounds like /ul/), open or closed syllables alike.
Rabbits and Camels and Cattle
The middle consonant sometimes doubles in two syllable words when the first vowel is short, like in RABBIT…but not always! Remember the ROBINS and CAMELS! Double middle consonant letters can also sometimes happen in words that end in consonant -le, like in CATTLE.
Learn more about Syllable Types.
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