The Preschooler

Syllables on a Mirror

Most lessons with syllables focus on having the child identify what they hear when words are spoken.  In this activity, using only a mirror, the child will learn to identify the number of syllables in a word by using their eyes to see how their mouths move.

Begin by finding a small mirror your child is able to hold in her hands.  Then have your child say a short list of one syllable words, such as cat, ball, sun, feet, big, hot, and make.  (This particular list includes many different vowel sounds so that your child can see the different ways her mouth moves even in a short list of words.)  Help her to notice how her mouth opens only one time for each of these words.  Tell her that these words have one syllable.  Have her try to think of other words with one syllable and say them while looking in the mirror.

Next, practice some two-syllable words, such as garden, rabbit, baby, and snowman.  Discuss how she can see her mouth open two times for these words, and then help her to identify more words with two syllables.

If your child shows interest, continue this same activity for words with three syllables.

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Written by BRWI Staff on December 20, 2010