Syllable Division Series: Part 2

Spelling Multisyllabic Words

Note: This is Part 2 in a 3-part series. In our previous blog post (Part 1), we discuss the definition of a syllable, the 6 types of syllables, how to tell if a word is multisyllabic, and the 5 syllable division rules. If you missed "Syllable Division Series: Part 1" click HERE to get caught up!

Why do spelling skills tend to lag behind reading skills?

Consider this comparison...

Reading is like taking a LEGO creation apart. You start with the whole and break it down brick by brick. Reading is looking at the whole (word) and breaking it down into parts (sounds).

Spelling is like trying to put all the pieces of a LEGO creation together. You have to find all of the individual bricks (sounds) and then assemble them correctly into whatever creation you're making (word). And, when the word is multisyllabic, it's even more challenging!

Which task is more difficult? Definitely spelling. However, just like with LEGOs that come with step-by-step directions, you can give your readers step-by-step directions that will work for spelling!

What foundational information do you need to know before getting into spelling with multisyllabic words?

Before we get into the nitty gritty, let's go over some helpful background information...

Decoding (Reading): Decoding is a print to speech process. It is the process of translating words from print to speech by matching letters and their combinations to the sounds they make.

Encoding (Spelling): Encoding is a speech to print process. It is the process of breaking apart a spoken word into its individual sounds and writing the letters or their combinations to represent each sound.

Reading (decoding) and spelling (encoding) are two sides of the same coin. There is a reciprocal relationship between the two, so when you work on improving one, the other is benefited as well.

At times, encoding doesn’t get the same amount of attention as decoding, despite evidence that explicit instruction in encoding is a powerful aid to reading instruction.

Just like with decoding, teaching encoding in a systematic, explicit manner can benefit all kids but is particularly critical to those with processing disorders.

When we teach a new phonics concept, we move from the sound level, to the word level, then the sentence level and so on. Spelling is the same! Here is the outline we follow for the encoding portion of a lesson:

1. Sounds = What Says?
2. Words = S.O.S (Simultaneous Oral Spelling)
3. Sentences = Dictation

How do I teach my students the steps of spelling multisyllabic words?

Easy peasy lemon squeezy! Teach them 2 words... Pound & Tap!

Ok, it might not be as easy as 2 words when you first teach it to your students. But once they get the hang of it, you can just say "Pound & Tap!" and they'll know exactly what to do!

Here are the steps for spelling a multisyllabic word:

1. Say the multisyllabic word. "sandwich"

2. Pound the syllables. (one hand is a fist pounding the syllables in the palm of the other hand that is flat). "sand-wich ... 2 syllables"

3. Tap the sounds of the 1st syllable with your fingers, starting with the thumb and pointer, then thumb and middle, etc... "s-a-n-d"

4. Write the letter for each sound that was tapped in the 1st syllable.

5. Repeat the process with the next syllable.

6. Check your work.

Free Download

If you would like to download a free "Pound & Tap" poster to help your readers with spelling multisyllabic words, just click the image below!

Next Up...

In next week's blog post, we'll be continuing this series with Part 3, which will be all about schwa. Be sure to stick around to learn about the most common vowel sound!

Multisyllabic Resources That Are Done-For-You!

Digital SoR Phonics Lessons for Syllable Division Rules- In these digital phonics lessons, syllable division rules are taught with a fun, woodcutter theme! Woodcutter Jack helps kids understand how to *chop* up words into smaller syllables using these syllable division strategies! Included are 10 digital lessons (2 for each rule), 5 decodable word lists, 5 encoding guides, and 5 decodable readers!

Big Words Bootcamp: A Multisyllabic Mission to Decoding Large Words-   Send your students to Big Words Bootcamp where they'll learn how to attack multisyllabic words! Included are an invitation for students, slideshow teaching the ASK strategy for dividing multisyllabic words, student practice pages, posters, bookmarks, and a certificate of completion.

Syllable CHOP! {Multisyllabic Word Practice by Phonics Feature}-  Are you wanting your students to practice decoding multisyllabic words that include specific phonics features? If so, this is for you! Students will be able to practice syllable division with 46 different phonics patterns. This is a great way to weave multisyllabic words into your phonics instruction! Included are directions for use, student syllable division mats, 5 syllable division posters, and 46 sets of multisyllabic word cards (organized by phonics skill).