What you do: 1. Point to a picture of something that has more than one syllable in its name and say it. 2. Say it again slowly as you clap out each syllable: “ba-na-na.” Have your child clap out the syllables, too. 3. Have your child point to another picture, say its name, and clap out the syllables. Why it works: Your child becomes aware that words can be divided into smaller units of sound-syllables. Variation: Say a sentence and clap out each word. Now your child becomes aware that sentences are made up of different words. © 2000 National Center for Learning Disabilities
