Counting Syllables Clapping Worksheets
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This printable counting syllables worksheet helps children understand what a syllable is, then it helps them practice identifying, clapping, and counting syllables in common words. Download the free pdf below!
What Is a Syllable?
Understanding syllables is an important part of literacy. These worksheets helps children practice separating and counting syllables within a word, and important and foundational phonological awareness skill.
But what exactly is a syllable, and how we do explain the concept to children?
A syllable is a single part of a word that contains a vowel sound. Most of the time, it also contains consonants, but not always, so listen for the vowel sounds and you’ll be able to distinguish the syllables.
As teachers, we usually refer to a syllable as the “beat” of a word, so the word banana contains three beats or vowel sounds: ba, na, and na. Bus has only one vowel sound or syllable. The easiest way to demonstrate and explain the concept of syllables to children is to say a word, and clap or tap your foot or finger during each vowel sound.
When a child claps his hands or taps his finger and counts the syllables in each word, it helps reinforce their understanding of syllables.
These worksheets are a great aid to allow children to practice saying and counting the syllables in each word. Download the pdfs below!
Using the Worksheet
Kids will look at each picture and say the word out loud. They can either tap their finger or clap their hands as they say the word, isolating and counting each syllable.
Then they circle the corresponding number of syllables. All of the words have either 1, 2, or 3 syllables.
- fish (1)
- flower (2)
- pumpkin (2)
- banana (3)
- rocket (2)
- sun (1)
- apple (2)
- tree (1)
- elephant (3)
- starfish (2)
- football (2)
- shoe (1)
- sandcastle (3)
- milk (1)
- bucket (2)
- turtle (2)
- book (1)
- octopus (3)
- strawberry (3)
- xylophone (3)
- triangle (3)
Educational Focus
- Children will name an easy to identify picture, and clap through each syllable as they say it out loud.
- Children will practice counting syllables in words with easy to identify pictures.
- And if you’re looking for more practice for your child, Dr. Seuss books are great for this, too!
- Use these printable pdf syllable worksheets for children in Kindergarten and First grade.
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This is a great way to help children learn to count syllables!
awesome worksheets
Hi Neha, We’re so glad they’re useful for you! 🙂
This is a great way to help children learn to count syllables!
Thank you
Hi Robin, I’m so glad it’s helpful! -Laura