Cracking the Code: Understanding Closed Syllables

English Language Arts Grades 1st Grade 4:31 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn about closed syllables and how they help us read words by understanding short vowel sounds.

Video Resource

What are Closed Syllables? — Learn How to Read!

Miacademy Learning Channel

Duration: 4:31
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Syllables
  • Closed Syllables
  • Short Vowel Sounds

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define a closed syllable.
  • Students will be able to identify closed syllables in words.
  • Students will be able to associate closed syllables with short vowel sounds.
  • Students will be able to decode words containing closed syllables.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by reviewing what a syllable is. Ask students to clap out the syllables in their names. Remind them that every syllable has a vowel sound. Tell students that today, they will learn about 'closed' syllables and how they can help us read better!
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the Miacademy Learning Channel video: 'What are Closed Syllables? — Learn How to Read!' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXPkzqTumEg). Encourage students to pay attention to the examples of closed syllables and the short vowel sounds.
  • Discussion (5 mins)
    After the video, ask students what a closed syllable is. Emphasize that a closed syllable has a vowel that is 'closed in' by a consonant. Review the examples from the video (pig, lap, fog, rabbit, fast, napkin).
  • Activity: Syllable Sorting (10 mins)
    Prepare index cards with various one-syllable and two-syllable words. Include a mix of closed syllable words (e.g., cat, dog, button) and words that are not closed syllables. Have students work in small groups to sort the words into two categories: 'Closed Syllable' and 'Not a Closed Syllable'. After sorting, the students should write down the short vowel sound and corresponding letter in that syllable.
  • Activity: Short Vowel Sound Practice (10 mins)
    Write CVC words on the board. Ex: bag, hen, lip, mop, fun. Have the students say each word and identify the short vowel sound in the word. Emphasize how the closed syllable helps create the short vowel sound.
  • Wrap-up and Assessment (5 mins)
    Review the definition of a closed syllable and its connection to short vowel sounds. Ask students to give their own examples of words with closed syllables. Briefly introduce the concept of open syllables (to be explored in a future lesson).

Interactive Exercises

  • Word Building
    Provide students with letter tiles or magnetic letters. Have them build CVC words (closed syllable words) and say the words aloud, emphasizing the short vowel sounds.
  • Picture Sort
    Show pictures of objects with names that are closed syllables (e.g., cat, bed, pig). Have students say the name of each object and identify the closed syllable. This can be done as a whole class or in small groups.

Discussion Questions

  • What is a syllable?
  • What is a vowel?
  • What is a closed syllable?
  • What sound do vowels usually make in closed syllables?

Skills Developed

  • Phonological Awareness
  • Decoding Skills
  • Vocabulary Building
  • Listening comprehension

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

A closed syllable has a vowel that is closed in by a...

Correct Answer: Consonant

Question 2:

What kind of sound does the vowel usually make in a closed syllable?

Correct Answer: Short

Question 3:

Which of these words is a closed syllable?

Correct Answer: Cat

Question 4:

In the word 'dog', what is the vowel?

Correct Answer: o

Question 5:

Is the word 'dog' a closed syllable?

Correct Answer: Yes

Question 6:

Which word has a short 'a' sound?

Correct Answer: Bat

Question 7:

The vowel in 'hen' makes a ______ sound.

Correct Answer: Short

Question 8:

Which of these words has two syllables?

Correct Answer: Button

Question 9:

In the word 'napkin', which of the following are consonants?

Correct Answer: n, p, k, n

Question 10:

Which of these words is NOT a closed syllable?

Correct Answer: He

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A ________ is a small sound that words make.

Correct Answer: syllable

Question 2:

A closed syllable ends with a ________.

Correct Answer: consonant

Question 3:

In a closed syllable, the vowel usually makes a ______ sound.

Correct Answer: short

Question 4:

The word 'cat' is a ________ syllable.

Correct Answer: closed

Question 5:

The vowel in the word 'pig' is ______.

Correct Answer: i

Question 6:

In the word 'rabbit', 'rab' is a _________ syllable.

Correct Answer: closed

Question 7:

The word 'fast' has a short ____ sound.

Correct Answer: a

Question 8:

The word 'napkin' has _________ syllables.

Correct Answer: two

Question 9:

If a syllable is closed, it helps you know the _________ of the vowel.

Correct Answer: sound

Question 10:

The word 'fog' is a ______ syllable word.

Correct Answer: one

Educational Standards

1.2.PWS.2:Students will decode long and short vowels, including initial, medial, and final sounds in common CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words (e.g., cat, bed, pen). 1.2.PA.1:Students will count, segment, blend, and delete syllables in spoken words. 1.2.F.1:Students will read grade-level text with purpose and understanding. 1.4.R.5:Students will acquire new grade-level vocabulary, relate new words to prior knowledge, and apply vocabulary in new situations.

Teaching Materials

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