Thanksgiving Syllables Boom Cards

Looking for an easy literacy center idea for Thanksgiving week?

Boom cards are engaging for the students and easy for teachers to assign.

 This 20 card Boom deck practices the skill of counting syllables and includes audio directions and reading of each word.

CCSS RF1.3D

Use knowledge that every syllable must have a vowel sound to determine the number of syllables in a printed word.

Don't have enough devices for a center? You could also practice whole group by projecting your teacher device. 

Click here to try this deck in action or HERE to purchase it. 

Why Teach Counting Syllables?

 I'll be honest, when I was a younger teacher, I didn't really know why teaching about syllables was important. Whole Language was all the rage when I was in college so it wasn't until much later that I finally got the training in phonics instruction that led to many light bulb moments for me.

So why do we count (or clap or tap) syllables?

Once children can break a word into its syllables, they can be taught some nifty reading and spelling rules! It takes the guess work out and many children feel comforted to have "rules" to help them. I tell them we are word detectives and if we look closely at the clues, we can solve the mystery!

Step 1 Break the word into syllables. 

Teach that every syllable has a vowel. I've found that some children find it helpful to put their hand under their chin. Each time their jaw drops is a syllable.

Step 2 Teach the types of syllables.

1. A closed syllable ends in a consonant. The vowel has a short vowel sound, as in the word cat.
2. An open syllable ends in a vowel. The vowel has a long vowel sound, as in the first syllable of open.
   

It is helpful to use a door analogy.  The consonant is closing the vowel in, keeping it short. If the door is left open the vowel says its long sound. I make up a story about a little sister who will sing at the top of her lungs if her brother doesn't shut the door. I can be quite dramatic and demonstrate my awesome opera voice. We practice with words such as me, baby, music, etc. and I let the class use their opera voices, too. Don't you want to be my neighbor? :-)

There are 4 more syllable types (or 5 depending on which program you follow) but I think I will stop here for today. Can you see, even with just teaching open and closed syllables, how it will help your students have a better idea how to read and spell?

Here is a FREE spring-themed syllable sheet to help you practice step 1. 

I think I may need to make more of these because I found coloring them in for this picture SO relaxing!!

 I also made it a TpT Easel activity in case you want to give that a try. I made draggable circles your students can drop on the correct number or you could have them use the highlighter instead. 

Click HERE to grab your freebie.

If you are looking for more practice with counting syllables, I have interactive Boom Cards and Google Slides available. 

I'd love to hear from you in the comments. Do you teach syllable types? Do you teach 6 or 7? Have you tried Easel by TpT with your class yet?

Winter Syllables Boom Cards 25% off

Winter Syllables Boom Cards make a great center or distance learning activity. Includes 20 cards with audio directions and optional audio for each word. I did not have it auto play so your students could have the practice of trying to decode the words on their own first.

As always, 25% off the first day for loyal followers of my TpT store. 

If you'd rather go right to the source, here is my Boom store.

Christmas Syllables Boom Cards

In this 20 card deck, the student reads or listens to the Christmas-themed word and clicks the correct number of syllables. Includes audio directions and reading of each word. Perfect for distance learning or literacy centers.

Click HERE to try a live preview.

words: elf, tree, snowman, Santa, star, sleigh, presents, candy, reindeer, lights, cookies, gingerbread, ornament, stocking, train, sack, carolers, list, decorate, bow.

CCSS RF1.3D

Use knowledge that every syllable must have a vowel sound 

to determine the number of syllables in a printed word.

You can buy this in my TpT store or my Boom store.

Thanksgiving Syllables Boom Cards

 I am completely hooked on Boom Cards. They are great for distance learning or for in-person centers. I love that I can look and see how my students did, even when they are at home.

Click HERE to see a live preview and then HERE if you'd like to purchase these.

CCSSRF.1.3d

Use knowledge that every syllable must have a vowel sound to determine the number of syllables in a printed word.