A syllable is a unit of sound, or “beats” in words. They are typically made up of a single vowel, or vowel and consonant combination, and it is usually the basis for how we divide words into parts when reading. When teaching children how to read, it's important to understand syllables and how they work together to form words. Let's look at what syllables are and how understanding them can help your child become a better reader. 

What are Syllables? 

A syllable is defined as a single uninterrupted unit of sound in a word. They are typically composed of one vowel sound or a combination of consonant and vowel sounds (such as “ba” or “la”). Syllables allow us to easily break down complex words into smaller units which makes them easier to pronounce, recognise, and spell. 

Why Should I Teach My Child About Syllables? 

Teaching your child about syllables can help them learn basic phonics skills such as sounding out words, recognising patterns in language, spelling unfamiliar words correctly, and even developing an understanding of sentence structure. Knowing how many syllables there are in a word can also be beneficial for increasing reading fluency by helping your child know where to pause when reading aloud. 

Understanding syllables is an important part of learning how to read fluently. By helping children recognise patterns in language early on through activities like counting out loud how many syllables are in familiar words, or clapping out rhythms with longer sentences, you can help them develop strong literacy skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. As they become more comfortable with recognising individual sounds within words, they will be able to confidently tackle any book they come across!