How to Teach Three Syllable Words
If your students know how to read the six syllable types and can read two syllable words, they’re ready to learn how to read three syllable words! Three syllable words are words that consist of three syllables, such as potato, umbrella, and envelope.
Before getting started, you’ll want to download this FREE six syllable types poster you can use for reference with your students. Sign up for The Designer Teacher mailing list below to get it delivered straight to your inbox!
Day 1
Review the six syllable types with students as needed. Explain that just like with two syllable words, we can split up three syllable words into syllable types that we know how to read. Show or write the word octopus and model noticing the closed syllable “oc,” the open syllable “to,” and the closed syllable “pus.” Put the three syllables together to read the word “octopus,” and place a picture of an octopus next to the word. Repeat modeling with tomato, noting that all three syllables are open syllables. After modeling, lead students in guided practice of reading more words three syllables. Encourage students to try different ways of splitting the syllables if their first attempt doesn’t produce a word. For example, if a student reads potato as “pot-a-to,” prompt them to try a different way. Then, practice reading fluency sentences together that contain three syllable words. You can find the needed picture cards, word cards, and fluency sentences in my Phonics by Design Three Syllable Word Mini Unit.
Day 2
Briefly review what you taught yesterday, and then tell students they’ll be practicing writing three syllable words. Show a basketball picture card and model orally splitting the word into syllables: /bas/ /ket/ /ball/. Sound out and spell each syllable on the board. Continue with other picture cards, having students segment the syllables as a group or taking turns. Finally, have students practice on their own by dictating three syllable words to them and having them write them down. You can also dictate a few short sentences with three syllable words.
Day 3
Today students will independently practice reading and writing three syllable words. I use the activity sheets included in my Phonics by Design Three Syllable Words Mini Unit and in my No Prep Pack.
Day 4
Review reading and spelling three syllable words before introducing a simple matching game they can play in pairs. Spread out the cards in a grid face down. When it’s their turn, the student will turn over two cards and identify the pictures and/or read the words. If it’s a match, they keep the pair. If not, they put the cards back, face down. Students alternate turns until all pairs have been matched. The student with the most pairs wins. You can find this matching game in my Phonics by Design Three Syllable Words Mini Unit.
Day 5
Assess students by dictating ten three syllable words and having them record them. If you have time and a small enough group, you may also wish to have individual students read a few three syllable words aloud to you.
This lesson plan schedule for teaching three syllable words is simple but effective! Don’t forget to sign up below to get the six syllable types poster!
Save yourself time by snagging everything you need to teach three syllable words in one place with my Phonics by Design Three Syllable Words Mini Unit. You’ll get all the materials mentioned in this post (picture cards, word cards, fluency sentences, activity sheets, matching game), plus posters, flapbooks, and more! Grab it here.
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