Dividing a word into syllables is quite important for teachers and language learners. A syllable is a unit of pronunciation consisting of a vowel sound, or a vowel sound grouped with one or more consonant sounds, pronounced by a single impulse of the voice, and forming either a complete word or one of the units of pronunciation that together make a word.
Examples of words containing a single syllable: book; read; Bob.
Examples of words containing multiple syllables: to/day; big/ger; for/est.
Rules governing syllabication are at the reach of teachers and confirmed learners but not for MS pupils.
Rule 1. A one-syllable word is never divided.(say, rest)
Rule 2. Divide a compound word between the words that make up the compound word. (on/to, sun/light). When necessary, divide the smaller words into syllables. (un/der/dog)
Rule 3.When a word has a suffix, divide the word between the base word and the suffix. (youth/ful, sad/ly)
Rule 4.When a word has a prefix, divide the word between the prefix and the base word or root. (re/new) Some prefixes have more than one syllable. (in/ter/weave, o/ver/take)
Rule 5.When two or more consonants come between the two vowels in a word, the word is usually divided between the first two consonants. (in/take, win/ner)
Rule 6.When a single consonant comes between two vowels in a word, the word is usually divided after the consonant if the first vowel is short. (wag/on, shiv/er)
Rule 7.When a single consonant comes between two vowels in a word, the word is usually divided before the consonant if the first vowel is long. (ra/dar, fi/ber)
Rule 8.When a vowel is sounded alone in a word, the vowel is a syllable itself. (gas/o/line, i/dol,)
Rule 9.When two vowels come together in a word and are sounded separately, divide the word between the two vowels. (pli/ers, di/ode)
Rule 10.When a word ends in le preceded by a consonant, divide the word before that consonant. (bot/tle, cra/dle)
Teachers should opt for excellence in this task to:
- Master syllabication.
- Read big words easily (spelling – writing - stress – intonation).
- Be self-confident.
- Manage to help the pupils acquire this competence.
Power Point: http://www.mediafire.com/?mmytytwxnwd
A way to help pupils divide words: an important thing to do is never let your pupils work alone / work with them / Play with them.
The procedure.
1- Assess your pupils' level.
2- Prepare an appropriate practice sheet.
3- Encourage them to challenge you.
Practise is a priority at this level, theory may be useless and more complicating.
A practise sheet: http://www.mediafire.com/?ggnzyqzjcmm
Repeat such activities which must be short and with clear objectives. After a while, check your pupils ' reading, speaking and speech delivery. You may be astonished by their competences.
Best of luck.
Habba Med.