Syllable Types – Laying the “Ground” Work for Reading!

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 groundhog-themed sorting activity has been designed to help your students identify syllable types in two- and three-syllable words. It contains an instructions page, 30 sorting cards, four sorting mats, a recording sheet, and an answer key.

How to Use This Groundhog Day Activity

1. Print and cut out the resource. Cardstock is recommended for added durability.
2. Provide students with a set of cards, the sorting mats, and a recording sheet.
3. Students look at the word on the 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 team of dedicated, experienced educators 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 contained 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 Groundhog Day Reading Center File With Ease

Use the dropdown menu next to the Download button to access the PDF or Google slides version of this resource.