Browse all
  • 2nd Grade
  • Reading & Phonics
  • About 10 minutes
  • See it all: a chart to keep

Syllable Rules Chart

Every syllable has one vowel sound. Clap each part as you say it!

Need more than one? Tap + for extra copies (up to 10).

Syllable Rules ChartName:Date:Every syllable has one vowel sound. Clap each part as you say it!Clap it: rab · bit = 2 claps, 2 syllablesFind the vowels first. Then use these rules to split the word into parts.Two letters in the middleSplit between them.rab | bitnap | kinmuf | finbas | ketTwo small wordsSplit between the words.sun | setcup | cakepop | cornrain | bowOne letter in the middleTry a long vowel first.ti | gerro | botpa | permu | sicEnds in leKeep the letter before le.pick | leta | blecan | dlepur | plek5printables.com · Sheet #47524601 · Aligned with Common Core RF.2.3c

How to do it

  1. Clap the example words.
  2. Read each rule and its words.
  3. Keep the chart out while you practice.

Teaching tip

Put a hand under your chin. Each time your chin drops, that's a syllable. This sheet is aligned with Common Core RF.2.3c.

Syllable Rules Chart for 2nd grade phonics (two-syllable words), free printable
Printable preview

About this chart

Four ways to split a two-syllable word, with examples and pictures.

What kids practice

A syllable is a part of a word with one vowel sound. Rabbit has two, rab-bit. Second graders learn to break longer words into parts so they can read them one chunk at a time. Splitting words into syllables lets kids use the phonics they know on longer words.

Watch for

  • Counting letters or vowels instead of vowel sounds. Boat has two vowels but one syllable.
  • Guessing a long word from its first part.
  • Reading ti-ger with a short i. Try the long vowel first.

It's free to print, as many copies as you need. See the full two-syllable words phonics guide for 2nd grade.

More sheets in this set