As a reading intervention teacher, I noticed that many students struggled to decode multisyllabic words. This greatly impacted student confidence, reading, comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary. This unit was created out of an abundance of research. I quickly discovered that decoding multisyllabic words is best learned in conjunction with syllable types. Research shows that explicit teaching and mastery of each syllable type directly impacts a student’s ability to decode lengthy words. I’m not just talking about drawing lines to separate the syllable in a word. I’m talking about explicit instruction and mastery for all six syllable types. Students then apply this information when decoding multisyllabic words. Guess what? IT WORKS! This unit includes EVERYTHING you need to take your students through that process. 

This comprehensive unit includes low prep, interactive, hands-on activities for learning and mastering each of the six syllable types. It also includes a comprehensive review that ensures students learn to apply their knowledge of syllable types to successfully decode multisyllabic words.

Each syllable type is taught systematically and explicitly. Instruction of each syllable type follows a four step, research-based process.

1. Identify and recognize the syllable type
2. Read and build nonsense words with the syllable type
3. Read and build real words with the syllable type
4. Read real words with the syllable type in connected text

With these four steps as the foundation for learning, I created 15+ learning activities for each syllable type. Don’t worry, there’s a teacher guide included! The activities are scaffolded (start with one syllable, proceed to two, etc.)

They include, but are not limited to:

• Syllable Types Flipbook
• Posters
• Graphic Organizers
• Pocket chart (or table/desk) syllable building activities
• Cut and paste syllable building activities
• Roll & Read (involves dice)
• Building nonsense words (involves spinners and/or paper clips with pencils)
• Flashcards
• Word Drills
• Color-coding multisyllabic words
• Writing multisyllabic words
• Reading target syllable words in the context of sentences
• Reading target syllable words in a short story
• Searching for syllable types in relevant text

The unit overview includes:

• CLOVER syllable types review poster
• All syllable types graphic organizer
• Spinner (involves spinners and/or paper clips with pencils) multisyllabic word building activities
• Syllable Ninjas - explicit decoding of multisyllabic words; 3 versions + editable file so you can use your own words/vocabulary
• Pocket chart (or table/desk) multisyllabic word building activities (using syllable cards)
• Multisyllabic Monster Award