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The Six Syllable Types
There are six syllable types. It is very helpful for struggling readers to be able to identify the
syllable types in words when trying to read or spell. The sound a vowel makes often depends
upon what type of syllable it is in.
Here are the six syllable types, in a suggested order of teaching:
Closed Syllables (the most frequent syllable type)
Closed syllables have one vowel, followed by one or more consonants. The vowel has a short
sound. (So the vowel is CLOSED in on the right side by one or more consonants.)
Examples:
in
on
cat
him
pot
truck
stick
French
trash
Words with more than one syllable can be made up of entirely closed syllables, such as the
words ad/mon/ish or plas/tic.
You should teach your students a key word to remember each short vowel sound.
Example:
Apple for short a
Eddie for short e
Itchy for short i
Olive for short o
Upper for short u
If the student forgets the short sound, remind them of the key word, have them say the key word
slowly, so they can hear the first sound of it.
One more thing about closed syllables: When A is followed by m or n, it gives a nasally
sound. It sounds like Bugs Bunny saying “Aaaaaaah, what’s up, doc.”
Examples:
Am
Can
Ant
