The Preschooler

Syllable Stomp

Although identifying syllables in a word is most commonly a listening skill, it can be developed and honed using physical activities as well.  Many children may also benefit from being able to “see” the syllables in the word.  Both of these concepts can be achieved using the following activity.

I live in Pennsylvania where we typically have snow five out of the twelve months in a year.  However, if you happen to live in a warmer climate and have access to a warm, sandy beach, this activity can be completed there as well.  It can also be done after a rain storm that leaves puddles on the ground.

Begin by creating a list made up of words with varying numbers of syllables.  You can make up the list in your head if you are playing the game on the fly or included an added level of fun to the activity by placing strips of paper, each with one word, inside a bag, and allow your child to pull them out one at a time.

Once a word is chosen, show your child how to stomp out the word in the snow, sand, or with wet shoes from a puddle.  You may want to use a stick (or sidewalk chalk if using a puddle) to draw a line showing where the stomps begin and end.  Count the number of stomps with your child to identify the number of syllables.  Continue to help your child stomp out syllables until his attention wanes.

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Written by Laura on January 19, 2011