Phonics · lesson 22 of 24 · free

Syllables — Phonics for kids

Long words are easier in small parts called syllables, or beats. Clap as you say a word: cat has 1 beat, ti-ger has 2, ba-na-na has 3.

▶ Watch how it works

Got it? Practise ↓

How the sounds work

Clap the beats — “each beat (syllable) has one vowel sound — clap once for each”

  1. Say the word slowly and clap once for each beat.
  2. Count the claps: ba – na – na is 3 beats.
  3. Every beat has a vowel sound in it.

Use it for: Reading and spelling long words one part at a time, and in songs and poems.

Worked example: Clap the beats in “banana”. How many beats? → 3

  1. Say “banana” and clap once for each beat: ba – na – na.
  2. Count the claps: 3 beats.

Check: ba + na + na = 3 claps ✓

▶ Watch it animated

✏️ Practice

Listen (🔊), look at the pictures, then tap the answer. Grown-ups: read the question together.

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🏁 Lesson 22 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the 👏 Syllable Clapper badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 9 lessons of Part 3 · Digraphs and long vowels. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ Syllables Phonics Worksheets

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