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Closed Syllables Skill Explainer

Quick Look: What Is a Syllable?

Video thumbnail for Quick Look: What Is a Syllable? — Produced by Reading Universe, a partnership of WETA, Barksdale Reading Institute, and First Book

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Liz Quezada: I want you guys to tell me what is a syllable? Ready? A syllable is a ...

Liz Quezada and students: ... a word or a part of a word with one vowel sound.

Liz Quezada: Very good.

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Support Materials

Six Syllable Types

Use this printable to remember the six syllable types you'll teach during phonics instruction. It includes explanations and examples for closed, open, magic 'e', r-controlled, vowel teams, and consonant '-le' syllables. Go to the skill explainers for each syllable type to learn more.

Reading Universe is made possible by generous support from Jim & Donna Barksdale; the Hastings/Quillin Fund, an advised fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (opens in new window); the AFT (opens in new window); the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation (opens in new window); and several anonymous donors.

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