Listen To The Smaller Sounds In Words

Helping children hear the smaller sounds in words, the syllables, by clapping them out is one way to develop their phonological awareness.  Children can hear the syllables more easily than each individual sound in words.

Instructions:  Play this game with children’s names or with a word that might be new to them or a challenge to say.

Super duper 1,2,3             Can you say this word with me?

Choose a child’s name or a word with more than one syllable, such as volcano.  Then follow the script below.

Parent (or Caregiver)

Volcano.  Say it:  volcano

Clap it:  VOL-CA-NO

Snap it:  VOL-CA-NO

Tap it:  VOL-CA-NO

Say it!

Child

Everyone clap: VOL-CA-NO

Everyone snap:  VOL-CA-NO

Everyone tap:  VOL-CA-NO

Everyone say: VOL-CA-NO

Tips from The Early Literacy Kit by Betsey Diamant - Cohen & Saroj Nadkarni Ghoting