Ever notice how some words break down into smaller chunks when you say them? Those chunks are syllables. A syllable is a unit of pronunciation that has just one vowel sound. “Dog,” for example, has one syllable. “Water” has two.
Understanding how syllables work is a key part of learning to read and spell. Recognizing syllable patterns helps kids read longer words more smoothly and accurately. It also helps them tackle tricky spelling situations.
This article will focus on closed syllables — what they are and how they play an important role in early reading and spelling development. We’ll give you examples of closed closed syllable words and discuss why they are important.
What is a Syllable?
A syllable is a single beat of sound. Every syllable has to have at least one vowel sound, and it may or may not have consonants around it.
Words can have just one syllable, like “cat,” or many, like “fantastic.” “Rabbit” has two.
Understanding syllables is an important step in learning to read longer words.
What are the six syllable types?
There are six main syllable types in the English language. Learning to recognize these patterns will help you read and spell more effectively.
- Closed syllable: A syllable with a short vowel sound that ends in one or more consonants (e.g., cat, sit, red).
- Open syllable: A syllable that ends with a vowel sound (e.g., he, she, I).
- Vowel-consonant-e (silent e) syllable: A syllable with a long vowel sound spelled with a vowel followed by a consonant and a silent “e” (e.g., cake, like, home).
- Vowel team syllable: A syllable with two vowels that work together to make one sound (e.g., meat, boat, day).
- R-controlled syllable: A syllable in which the vowel sound is controlled by the letter “r” (e.g., car, her, for).
- Consonant-le syllable (Final Stable Syllable): A syllable that contains a consonant followed by “le” (e.g., table, purple, candle).
By learning these syllable types, students can decode words more easily. They can also encode sounds, such as r-controlled vowels, that take more than individual letters to produce.
Diving deep: What is a closed syllable?
Okay, so what exactly is a closed syllable? I mean, besides the fact that this article is all about them?
A closed syllable is a syllable that has only one vowel sound, and that vowel sound is “closed in” by one or more consonants.
Typically, the vowel sound in a closed syllable is short. Think of words like bat, wish, and switch.
Closed syllables are super common in English. In fact, just under half of all English syllables are closed.
Examples of closed syllable words
There are tons of closed syllable words in the English language. Here are a few:
- cat
- dog
- run
- sit
- map
- pen
- win
- hop
Many multisyllabic words also contain closed syllables. For example:
- fan•tas•tic
- rab•bit
- nap•kin
- but•ter
Why teach closed syllables?
Understanding closed syllables helps kids become better readers and spellers. When kids can spot a closed syllable, they can decode words more accurately. They can also spell words with short vowel sounds more easily.
It’s important to remember that kids learn best when they receive direct instruction in phonics. One study found that first graders who were explicitly taught the six syllable types outperformed their peers on reading and spelling tests. Research consistently demonstrates that understanding these syllable types boosts student performance.
Closed syllable exceptions
While it’s generally true that closed syllables have short vowel sounds, there are, of course, exceptions to the rule. It’s important to teach these exceptions explicitly.
A few common exceptions include words like wild, kind, gold, bolt, and most. In these words, the vowels have long sounds even though the syllables are closed.
According to Brock and Fernette Eide, “i and o may say ī and ō when followed by two consonants.”
There are several strategies teachers can use to help students master these tricky exceptions. Word sorts can help students identify and categorize these words. Repeated reading of connected text that includes these words can also help.
The Cat/Kite Rule: C or K?
When deciding whether to use a “c” or a “k” to make the /k/ sound, remember the “cat/kite” rule.
If the /k/ sound comes before an “a,” “o,” or “u,” use a “c.” If the /k/ sound comes before an “i” or an “e,” use a “k.”
Here are some examples of the cat/kite rule in action:
- “c” before “a,” “o,” and “u”: cat, cot, cut
- “k” before “i” and “e”: kit, Ken
- “k” after the letter “s”: skill, scrap
When you’re teaching CVC words, introduce the cat/kite rule early on. A visual aid like a poster of a cat and a kite can help reinforce the rule.
Conclusion
Understanding closed syllables is a key part of learning to read and spell, especially when tackling longer words. If children understand the rules of closed syllables, they will find it easier to sound out and spell new words.
Teachers and parents can help children by explicitly teaching closed syllables and providing plenty of opportunities for practice. Don’t forget to include some of the common exceptions to the rules, too!
A solid foundation in closed syllables is a great way to build overall literacy skills.