Dyslexia Series – Part 9: Do you want a fun way to help your child anchor the 6 Syllable Types?

Magnetic Words for a Fun Lesson

I remember the day I learned the Syllable Types in class at the Neuhaus Education Center.

Being a student of the written word my whole life, I had absolutely no clue there were 6 distinctly different syllable types.

It was one of many Eureka moments during my training.

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I always begin….by asking my new students this question:

“How many different types of syllables are in the English language?”

Over the years, the answers varied from 1 million…… to 1,000.

The relief and joy on my students’ faces….when they learn there are only 6 types to master….is delightful.

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As you know, each syllable type is introduced systematically, efficiently, and in an orderly fashion in the Orton Gillingham based programs for dyslexic students.

My advanced students – who are working with the scope and sequence of Book One of Basic Language Skills – enjoy a very special ‘game’ to reinforce their new knowledge of the syllable types.

Perhaps, this may be an exercise you would like to try with your own child.

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Just to give a quick and brief overview, I’ll provide an abridged and simplified definition of each type of syllable.

Open Syllables

Ends in 1 vowel – the vowel  is long, code it with a macron.  Long Vowels say their names.

Closed Syllables

Ends in at least 1 consonant after one vowel. The vowel is short, code it with a breve.

Vowel Pair Syllable

Has 2 adjacent or side by side vowels.  Treat each pair with loving care.

Vowel-Consonant-E Syllables

Ends in 1 vowel, 1 consonant, and a final silent e. Cross out the e. The vowel is long, code it with a macron.

Vowel-r Syllable (also known as r-Controlled)

Has an r after the vowel.  The vowel is not short but makes an unexpected, but reliable sound.

Final Stable Syllable (also known as Consonant-le)

Comes at the end of a word.  The final stable syllable is always stable or reliable in its pronunciation and spelling. Coded with a half-bracket; accent the syllable before.

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This fabulous Magnetic Board was given by a friend who stop tutoring.

But I have seen these inexpensive boards in teacher supply stores for less than 10 bucks – so it is a very affordable teaching tool.

By the same tutor, a box of magnetic words was given.  But I did a little investigation on Amazon in case you would like to purchase a set.

Here is a sample of the price point and types of products available on Amazon.  But as I write this morning, I believe I might have seen these magnetic word sets near the check-out counter at Barnes & Noble.

So I give a plastic tub of magnetic words to my student.

Each word is placed under the correct syllable type.

(The word magnets do adhere to the board even on top of paper syllable template.)

Most of my students enjoy this exercise so much….they request it!

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I sure hope you can use this exercise with your own child.

Perhaps, you can modify it to suit your own needs.

I enjoy sharing teaching tips which make life easier and more fun for the courageous and tenacious students with learning differences.

Next week, I have a really exciting post about a new development for Dyslexic students and adults.  I can’t wait to write it.

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Thank you for reading today.