Count Syllables With These Math Center Games

In the last syllable lesson plan, students explored how to count syllables and what is a syllable, using their names. Now, give them some practice in how to count syllables, by having them play some independent center games with syllables to support their learning. Ultimately students are practicing math as well as how to count the syllables.

1. Using your First Words Cards, a picture dictionary, or a classroom chart (Months of the Year, Days of the Week, or Theme Words) have the students draw a picture of the word, copy the word, clap and write the number of syllables in the word. For example,

   in the First Words Cards, there is a picture card of an umbrella. Students would draw a picture of the umbrella, write the word umbrella and count and write the number of syllables in the word umbrella (3). The teacher can easily see if the students know how to count syllables.

2. Play a math game while counting syllables. Students count the syllables of two or more words and add them together. For example, umbrella (3) + orange (2) = 5 syllables all together. Students can do this activity with the resources listed above or their friend's names. Make sure that the students draw the pictures and write the words that they are adding, so that you can correct their work and check progress.
3. Have students go on a syllable hunt. Hide some First Words cards around the classroom, or use any words in print in the classroom (that the students can read independently). Have the students create a syllable list using pictures and words.
4. Explore creating syllable groups. Have the students group and create a list of all of the words with the same amount of syllables in them. If possible, extend the activity for students who need a challenge, by letting them create their own graph of words that they have collected.
5. Make a list
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   of math, science or social studies vocabulary in your unit of study for students to independently count and record syllables. The fun part about this activity is that it can be changed with every unit of study to give students a chance to practice counting syllables all year long with new words.