Syllable Rules
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Every syllable must have a written vowel.
Though every syllable must have a vowel, consonants are optional.
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A syllable has only one vowel sound.
Syllables have one and only one vowel. Consonants on the other hand are different. A syllable may have no consonant sounds, one consonant sound, or several consonant sounds.
Vowels are the key to syllables.
To count syllables, count the vowels.
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Hum the Word
One way to count syllables is to hum the word. This works because a vowel is a sound you can sing, and a syllable has only one vowel sound. The number of syllables = the number of hums (vowels).
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Feel the Chin
Another way to count syllables is to feel how many times your chin drops when saying the word. This works because a vowel sound is produced by opening the mouth.
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Count Vowels
If you want to count the syllables in a written word, count the number of written vowels. This works because every syllable has one and only one vowel.
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Clap
Clapping the beat is one of the most common ways to teach students how to count syllables. This works because the mouth opens to say the vowels and closes to say consonants, creating a beat.
Vowels, Syllables, & New Rules
2019 Teacher Training
