A two-syllable word is a word that can be divided into two spoken parts, or beats. Each syllable has a vowel sound. Learning how to break words into syllables helps you read and spell longer words.
Say the word slowly and clap for each syllable. You will clap two times for two-syllable words.
A closed syllable ends with a consonant and has a short vowel sound. Many two-syllable words are made up of two closed syllables.
When both syllables end with consonants, each vowel is usually short. Example: nap-kin.
An open syllable ends with a vowel that says its long sound. Some two-syllable words begin with an open syllable.
If the first syllable ends with a vowel, the vowel usually says its name. Example: ti-ger.
Some two-syllable words end with a consonant-le syllable. The final e is silent, but the l makes the syllable sound like “ul.”
When dividing words with consonant + le, split before the consonant. Example: ta-ble.
To read and spell two-syllable words, break them into smaller parts. Look for patterns like closed syllables, open syllables, or consonant-le endings. This makes longer words easier to read.
Cover one syllable at a time with your finger as you read. Then blend the syllables together to read the whole word.