Open Syllable Patterns

MAJOR Read the word above. How many syllables are in this word? Where should the word be divided? Ma/jor The syllable breaks before the second consonant. Read aloud the first syllable in major /ma/ When a syllable breaks before a consonant, the

syllable is usually pronounced with a long vowel sound. This is called an open syllable pattern.

It is called an open syllable because your mouth is open- there is not a consonant stopping the sound.

MOTORMO/TOR The syllable break is after the first

vowel. The first syllable is open and has a long

vowel sound Noticing where a word is broken into

syllables will help you read the word. If you are not sure how to pronounce a

syllable, try pronouncing it with both a long and short vowel and listen for what sounds right.

TRY THESE.Where are the syllable breaks?

What are the syllable patterns?

MOMENT Mo/ment The first syllable is open and has a long

sound. What about the 2nd syllable? Is it open or

closed?

SIREN si/ren The first syllable is open and has a long

sound. What about the 2nd syllable? Is it open or

closed?

HUMID hu/mid The first syllable is open and has a long

sound. What about the 2nd syllable? Is it open or

closed?

SILENT si/lent The first syllable is open and has a long

sound. What about the 2nd syllable? Is it open or

closed?

MIGRAINE Mi/graine The first syllable is open and has a long

sound. What about the 2nd syllable? Is it open or

closed? If the 2nd syllable is closed, why does it

still have a long sound?

LOOK IN THE STORY, “MIGHTY JACKIE: THE STRIKE-OUT QUEEN.” FIND LONGER WORDS WITH OPEN SYLLABLE PATTERNS.