Syllable Types – A Treasure Trove of Decoding Skills!

Current research indicates that having an understanding of syllable types can assist early readers and writers to break down words into smaller, more manageable chunks. There are six main syllable types: closed, open, magic (or silent) e, vowel team, r-controlled, and consonant +le. 

This Science of Reading-based sorting activity has been designed to help your students identify syllable types in two- and three-syllable words. It contains an instruction page, 30 sorting cards, four sorting mats, a recording sheet, and an answer key.

How to Use This Syllable Types Sorting Activity

1. Print and cut out the resource. Cardstock is recommended for added durability.
2. Provide students with a set of coin cards, the sorting mats, and a recording sheet.
3. Students look at the word on the coin card, then identify the syllable type of the underlined syllable. Students place the card on the correct syllable types sorting mat.
4. Once they have finished sorting all of the cards, students list the words according to syllable type on their recording sheet.

Tips for Extension and Scaffolding

A dedicated, experienced educator team created this resource to support your English Language Arts program. It can be used for small groups, whole-class learning, or independent practice.

If you have a mixture of above and below-level learners, check out these suggestions for keeping students on track with the concepts:

🆘 Support Struggling Students

Simplify the task for students who may be overwhelmed by the number of cards in the activity. Provide these students with a smaller number of cards to sort, for example, one or two words for each syllable type. 

➕ Challenge Fast Finishers

Encourage fast finishers to create some more coin cards and sort them under the correct syllable type headings.

Download the File Format That Suits You

Use the dropdown menu next to the Download button to access this resource’s PDF or editable Google Slides version.

This resource was created by Lisamarie Del Valle, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter collaborator.