LA 2.01Syllable Clapping
Children clap once for each syllable in names and familiar words.
Age 3–4½Work 1 of 6 in Phonological Awareness
Presentation
- 1
Gather a small group. Say, "Let's clap our names."
- 2
Say your own name slowly and clap once for each part: "Ma-ri-a" (three claps).
- 3
Clap each child's name with the group, saying it slowly.
- 4
Ask, "How many claps was that?" and count together.
- 5
Take an object from the basket, say its name slowly, and clap its parts: "ba-na-na."
- 6
Invite a child to choose an object and clap its name.
- 7
End by clapping a one-syllable word ("cup") so the children hear that some words have only one part.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Sorting objects into groups by number of claps (one, two, three)
- Stomping or tapping syllables instead of clapping
- Finding the longest name in the class by counting claps
- Saying a word with one syllable left out ("ba-na" without "na")
Control of error
The adult, who claps along and counts with the child.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Claps the correct number of syllables for two- and three-syllable words
- Sorts objects by number of syllables without help
Guide note
Children with limited coordination can tap a drum or place a counter for each syllable instead of clapping.