The Preschooler

Metronome Syllables

When children clap in order to find the number of syllables in a word, there is an obvious beat which they create.  The sound is methodical, and they often use a monotone voice to sound out the word.  You can use this beat to help students practice finding the number of syllables in words in another way as well.

Using the free metronome found at http://www.metronomeonline.com/, begin by having your child clap to the beat.  Select the beat at 92 beats-per-minute (BPM).  After your child has followed the rhythm for a short time, change to a higher BPM.  Talk with your child about how the new beat sounds.  Then choose a much lower BPM, and discuss how this beat sounds.  Allow your child to choose a beat as well.

Now select a familiar tune, such as Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star or Mary Had a Little Lamb.  Help your child clap to the beat while using the metronome at 92 BPM.  Focus on saying one syllable for each beat.  Finally, use the metronome to say each song very slowly and very quickly.  Children will love going to the extremes with this activity and probably won’t even realize they are learning a valuable pre-reading skill!

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Written by BRWI Staff on September 5, 2011