Clapping in rhythm with each sounded-out syllable is one of the easiest and most common ways to start teaching children about syllables. Demonstrate the technique first by clapping each time you sound out a syllable. For example, sound out the word, "Dinosaur," in this manner: "Di," Clap; "No," clap; "Saur," clap. Ask the children to follow your example. Repeat several times, then move on to other words. When asking the children to clap out new words, start with ones that have one or two syllables to begin with.
On colorful card stock, write out a number of words with multiple syllables. Spell out each word in easy-to-read letters, then cut them up into syllable blocks. Mix the pieces up and then ask the children to create words with the various syllable blocks. Have the children first sound out each new word they make, emphasizing the syllables, and then have them write down the words they have created on a piece of paper.
Play a game of modified I Spy to help children learn about syllables. Explain to the children that whoever is "It" will find an object in the room with his eyes. Without telling anyone what the object is, he is to describe it and say how many syllables the word has. For example, if the student's object is a pencil, he would say, "I spy an object that has two syllables and is something you write with." Children who think they know what the object is should then raise their hand. If a child is picked to give the answer and he is correct, he is then the new "It."
This syllable game will help get some of your children's excess energy out on rainy or snowy days when they can't get out to play. Start by hanging the numbers 1 through 6 in different points of your room and then tell the children you will be sounding out words and they must move under the number that corresponds with the number of syllables they think they have just heard. For instance, say, "Hip-po-pot-a-mus," then ask children to move under the number of syllables they think hippopotamus has. Once the children have moved into position, sound out the word together and count to see if they are correct.