Pass out an empty grid -- approximately three boxes by four boxes -- and place-markers like tokens or paper clips. Read a multisyllabic word aloud and have students place their markers in a box for each syllable they hear. For example, if the teacher reads the word Antarctica, the student will place a token in four different boxes because there are four syllables in the word. This activity can be used with any vocabulary words that the students are learning in class.
The mirror activity is an interactive lesson that will help students recognize syllable breaks in words. Distribute small handheld mirrors and instruct students to watch themselves as they read different multisyllabic words. The students will count how many times their mouths opens, which will correlate with the number of syllables in the word. An alternative to this activity is to have students complete the same activity with a partner instead of a mirror.
Demonstrates clapping on each syllable while reading a multisyllabic word. Instruct the students to clap along while reading more multisyllabic words. After practicing this task as a class, the students can partner up and play the clapping game with the weekly spelling or vocabulary words.
Provide a worksheet with 15 to 20 words from an upcoming story or topic that students will learn about. Instruct the students to work with a partner using a pencil or marker to make a "scoop" or arc under each syllable they hear in the words. An alternative to this activity is to simply use their finger instead of a pencil, creating a multi-sensory experience.