Syllables are a unit of speech generally containing only one vowel sound. Learning the different types of syllables and the vowel sounds they make is an important skill for decoding – translating letters into words. Hearing syllables in words is also a part of phonological awareness, an essential skill for reading.
There are six syllable types, seven if the vowel digraphs (two letters that make one sound) are separated into Diphthongs that make new sounds, and Vowel Teams that often make a long vowel sound. In the sequence followed by the Phonics Pow Toolkit, syllable types are learned in this order.
Closed [VC] a vowel closed in by at least one consonant is often short.
These may be [CVC] words, or words with consonant blends at the beginning or end.
• cat
• bed
• dig
• dog
• rug
Open [CV] When no consonant follows a vowel, the vowel is often long and says it’s name.
• ā
• hē
• hī
• nō
• flū
Learn more about Open and Closed Syllables.
Silent e [VCɇ] When there is an e at the end of a word, the vowel is often long and the e is silent.
• bākɇ
• hērɇ
• kītɇ
• bōnɇ
• cūbɇ
Bossy R [vR] A vowel followed by an r often makes a new sound.
• car
• her
• stir
• corn
• fur
Vowel digraphs [VV] Two vowels together make one sound. (sometimes y or w follows)
Diphthongs make a new sound.
• sauce
• saw
• ouch
• cow
• coin
• boy
• book
• boot
Vowel Teams often make a long vowel sound
• rain • tray
• bean • green
• boat • row
• fruit • stew
Consonant -le [clɇ] is a final stable syllable = /ul/ in words with more than one syllable. The e at the end is silent.
• candlɇ
• gentlɇ
• simplɇ
• hobblɇ
• junglɇ
As almost always happens, there are exceptions to these guidelines!
Download a free printable of the Syllable Types. (2/page pdf)
More Resources:
- Syllable Animal Set at the Super Tutor Tools Teachers Pay Teachers store.
- Bookmarks and posters from ThisReadingMama
- Poster from MakeTakeTeach
Phonics Pow 