6. Student Practice Activities for Closed Syllables

Short vowel practice and closed-syllable practice go hand in hand. Many of the activities will look similar for these two skills. We've included free printable student practice activities below. Please download and share them with your colleagues!  

Before your students begin the activities, make sure that they understand how to complete them. You can model the activities in a whole-group setting or in a small group. 

Then they'll be ready to work on the activities independently ... at their seat, at a center, or in a small group. Keep an eye out for students who may need you to step in and scaffold. It's best to have a recording sheet or something that students will turn in so that you can ensure they are completing the activity correctly. Some may need quick, explicit, positive corrections. Others may need additional instruction in this area.

Syllable POP! is a fun activity to teach in small groups and then have students work on with a partner. Once students learn this game, they can continue to play it as additional syllable types are introduced.

You can also use Reading Universe short vowel activities to practice reading and writing words with closed syllables. Here are two samples.