Open syllables are syllables that are spelled with only one vowel that makes the long vowel sound. Many short words like he, she, we, me, go, no, so, shy, fly, cry are open syllables. However, open syllables can be part of a multisyllabic word like ba/by with two open syllables or hap/py with a closed syllable followed by an open syllable.
Some prefixes are open syllables like pre, de, and re. For that reason, teaching prefixes while teaching open syllables is a great idea. Students will not only be able to decode the words but use morphology to uncover the meaning of the word. Be sure to check out the next blog entry for the CUBS strategy that will directly teach students how to break apart multisyllabic words for decoding and morphological purposes.
The hand sign for an open syllable is very easy. I usually ask the kids to put their hand in the air and make a fist. I ask, "What syllable?" and the kids respond, "Closed." Then I ask the kids to open their hand and say, "Now your hand is open. Let's call this hand sign the open syllable."
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