Syllabication Rules

GRADE

2 – 4

MATERIALS/TIME REQUIRED

15-20 minutes

PROVIDE FOR INCLUSION – A You Question, Energizer, or Linking Strategy

Model the strategy with your own name. (see below)

IDENTIFY THE OBJECTIVES

Content Standard: Apply knowledge of basic syllabication rules.

Collaborative: Think constructively, assess improvement, reflect on experience

Personal: Respect and appreciate correct pronounciation of names

IDENTIFY THE STRATEGY

Two Truths and a Lie (for this it will be One truth and 1-2 Lies)

Students should be familiar with the rules for syllabication, or taught these rules with examples before using the strategy Two Truths and a Lie.

Rule #1: Every syllable has one vowel sound.

Rule #2: The number of vowel sounds in a word equals the number of syllables.

Rule #3: A one syllable word is never divided.

Rule #4: Consonant blends and digraphs are never separated.

Rule #5: When a word has a “ck” or an “x” in it, it is usually divided after the “ck” or the “x”.

Rule #6: Divide after a vowel if the vowel sound is long.

Rule #7: Divide after the consonant following the vowel if the vowel sound is short.

Rule #8: Divide between two middle consonants.

Now have each student, on a sheet of paper, write his/her name (or the teacher can prepare ahead of time). Students can use first, middle and/or last names, depending on grade level. You may need to turn one syllable names into two syllable names, like “Tom” becomes “Thomas” or “Tommy”.

After each student has this paper and they know which name(s) they are dividing…have them divide the name at least two ways, (one truth and one lie) or three ways (one truth and two lies)

Example: Ma-ry Mar-y M-ary

Now students can determine which is correct by exchanging papers and discussing with a partner. Then switch back and review/correct full group.

REFLECTION

Content: How does dividing your own name help you to remember the rules for syllabication?

Collaborative: How did you practice the agreements when you exchanged papers…especially if you disagreed or need to make corrections?

Personal:

PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR APPRECIATION

Have students give a statement to their partners.

AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT

For the rest of the day…or a couple more times throughout the week…have students write their names (on a paper to be turned in to you) their name divided into syllables.

LEARNING COMPONENTS

Group Development Process
Cognitive Theory
Multiple Intelligences
Cooperative Learning
Constructivism
Reflective Practice
Authentic Assessment

Note: This lesson tends to go very quickly; students are either anxious to try dividing their name a variety of ways, or, dividing their name is way too easy! Have a backup name ready for a challenge.