Breaking up words into syllables can help a struggling reader to read small parts(chunks) of the word at a time to make sense of the the word. Here is a fun(free) printable game to practice breaking up words into syllables or chunking words!
This is a free printable game you can print and laminate at home. (Freebie access instructions at the end of the post.)
The game works as follows: Place the shuffled word cards in a pile in the middle of the table. Take turns picking up the card at the top of the pile. Read the word out loud, write it down and count the syllables. You can clap the syllables or draw the lines as shown below. (The general rule to chunk words is one vowel per syllable.)
Each syllable is worth a point, so if you pick up a one-syllable word card, it is worth 1 point, two-syllable word card is worth 2 points and three-syllable word card is 3 points. There are 12 words of each category. Also, you will find 6 “bonus” cards: One More Draw- you have an extra turn to draw a card, Lose a Turn- no point for this round, Name Your Own- think of a word with lots of syllable for extra points!
TIP:
When printing, use a variety of colored paper/board. Shuffle the papers so that the same number of syllable word cards are not printed on the same color paper/board. If it turns out that way(like my single syllable ones did), it is not a huge problem because players cannot choose their cards in any case, they have to take the top one. The surprise just add a bit of excitement to the game if it does differ in color.
Use the record sheet if you want to, or simply record on a whiteboard/paper.
Have fun practicing syllable counting/chunking of words!
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