Sound Detectives: Unlocking Syllables!

English Language Arts Grades Pre-K 3:46 Video
Print Lesson Plan Watch Video

Lesson Description

Let's become sound detectives and learn about syllables! We'll discover how words are made of smaller sound parts, and explore open and closed syllables using fun examples and activities.

Video Resource

What is a Syllable? | Open and Closed Syllables | Kids Academy

Kids Academy

Duration: 3:46
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Syllable
  • Open Syllable
  • Closed Syllable

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify syllables in spoken words.
  • Students will be able to differentiate between open and closed syllables.
  • Students will be able to provide examples of open and closed syllables.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they know about words. Explain that words are made up of smaller sound parts called syllables. Watch the YouTube video: 'What is a Syllable? | Open and Closed Syllables | Kids Academy' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epk-hnVC10k).
  • Open Syllable Exploration (10 mins)
    After watching the video, explain open syllables. Use simple examples like 'he,' 'me,' and 'no.' Emphasize that an open syllable ends with a vowel sound. Ask students to repeat the words and identify the vowel sound at the end.
  • Closed Syllable Investigation (10 mins)
    Introduce the concept of closed syllables. Explain that a closed syllable ends with a consonant sound. Use examples like 'cap,' 'men,' and 'dog.' Have students repeat the words and identify the consonant sound at the end.
  • Syllable Sorting Game (10 mins)
    Prepare cards with pictures of objects or simple words. Have students sort the cards into two categories: Open Syllables and Closed Syllables. Provide guidance and support as needed.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the concepts of open and closed syllables. Ask students to share their favorite words with open and closed syllables. Encourage further exploration of syllables in books and everyday language.

Interactive Exercises

  • Clap the Syllables
    Say a word and have students clap their hands for each syllable they hear. Start with simple one-syllable words and gradually increase the complexity.
  • Syllable Sound Hunt
    Hide pictures of objects around the room. Have students find the pictures and determine whether the word for the object has an open or closed syllable. Have them shout, 'Open!' or 'Closed!' depending on the word.

Discussion Questions

  • What is a syllable?
  • What is an open syllable? Can you give an example?
  • What is a closed syllable? Can you give an example?

Skills Developed

  • Phonological Awareness
  • Auditory Discrimination
  • Vocabulary Development

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What are words made of?

Correct Answer: Syllables

Question 2:

Which word ends with a vowel sound?

Correct Answer: Me

Question 3:

Which word ends with a consonant sound?

Correct Answer: Cap

Question 4:

Is 'he' an open or closed syllable?

Correct Answer: Open

Question 5:

Is 'dog' an open or closed syllable?

Correct Answer: Closed

Question 6:

Which of these is a syllable?

Correct Answer: A small sound part

Question 7:

What does an open syllable end with?

Correct Answer: A vowel

Question 8:

What does a closed syllable end with?

Correct Answer: A consonant

Question 9:

Which word has an open syllable?

Correct Answer: Bee

Question 10:

Which word has a closed syllable?

Correct Answer: Fan

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A syllable is a small _____ part in a word.

Correct Answer: sound

Question 2:

The word 'me' is an _____ syllable.

Correct Answer: open

Question 3:

The word 'cat' is a _____ syllable.

Correct Answer: closed

Question 4:

An open syllable ends with a _____.

Correct Answer: vowel

Question 5:

A closed syllable ends with a _____.

Correct Answer: consonant

Question 6:

In 'he', the last letter is a _____

Correct Answer: vowel

Question 7:

In 'men', the last letter is a _____

Correct Answer: consonant

Question 8:

'No' is an _____ syllable

Correct Answer: open

Question 9:

'Cap' is a ______ syllable

Correct Answer: closed

Question 10:

We clap for each _____ in a word!

Correct Answer: syllable

Educational Standards

PK.2.PA.3:Students will recognize syllables in spoken words (e.g., pony = po + ny). PK.1.L.1:Students will actively listen using agreed-upon rules with prompting. PK.1.S.3:Students will ask and answer questions with prompting. PK.4.R.3:Students will begin to acquire new vocabulary and relate new words to prior knowledge.

Teaching Materials

Download ready-to-use materials for this lesson:

Student Worksheet Classroom Slides Assessment Quiz
Add to Google Classroom

User Actions

Sign in to save this lesson plan to your favorites.

Sign In

Share This Lesson

Related Lesson Plans