2. When to Teach Open Syllables

Connecting to Other Phonics Skills

The structured literacy approach is systematic and cumulative. That means each time you teach a new phonics skill, you need to consider how it interacts with skills that students have already learned.

The Connection with Closed Syllables: When you introduce a new syllable type, like open syllables, you should also circle back to the syllable types you have already taught. Students previously learned about closed syllables. Now that they know both open and closed syllables, you can talk about the difference between these words: 

• got - go 
• beg - be
• nod - no
• him – hi

The Connection with 'Y' as a Vowel: Some open syllables end with 'y', like in the words sky and try. In an open syllable, 'y' says the long 'i' sound. We don't use these examples with our students until we have taught them about 'y' as a vowel later on in the continuum.