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.