Closed Syllable Patterns Read this word: summer How many syllables are in summer? Where should this word be divided?
sum /mer The two syllables are broken between the double consonants - m and m. When a syllable breaks between two consonants, the first syllable is usually pronounced with a short vowel sound This is called a closed syllable. It is called a closed syllable because the syllable is closed off with your lips when you make the /m/ sound.
sand/wich The syllable break is after the consonants /nd/ The consonant pair nd in sand stay together in the first syllable. The syllable is broken after this consonant blend. This syllable is also a closed syllable because when you make the /nd/ sound the sound is closed off with your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
Try these. Where are the syllable breaks? Do they have a closed syllable pattern?
contestant con/test/ant Yes, it has 3 closed syllables.
seventeen sev/en/teen Yes, it has 3 closed syllables. Question:- The last syllable teen is also closed- so why do you think it has a long e sound? (Hint: Notice the ee vowel blend)
sheltering shel/ter/ing Yes, it has 3closed syllables
Look in the story, “The Hot and Cold Summer.” Find multisyllable words that have closed syllable patterns.