Closed Syllable vs. Open Syllable – What’s the Difference?

Learning to read and write open and closed syllables is a foundational skill for learning to decode multisyllable words. Reading part of a word helps students break down long words into more manageable chunks and assists them in discovering spelling patterns. Teaching and providing practice activities focused on working with open and closed syllables is essential for creating successful readers.

Match Closed and Open Syllable Rainbows

This resource to practice identifying parts of words as open or closed syllables. It can be used as a reading center activity, for individual instruction in your guided reading group, and for early finishers. 

To play, the students will identify the pictures, segment the words into syllables, and match each card with an open/closed syllable rainbow piece to form a whole rainbow.

Get More out of Our Open and Closed Syllables Activity

There’s more than one way to use these syllable-type matching cards in your classroom! Check out a few ideas for taking this game to the next level. 

Memory Match

Bonus points for this version of the game as it helps students with their memorization skills! As a game for two players, students will shuffle the picture cards and lay them all face down. Each player takes their turn flipping two cards at a time until they find a matching set. Then the turn ends, and the student sets the pair aside to keep score. 

Scoot Activity

Place each of the word cards around the room. Ask students to stand up with a blank sheet of paper numbered to use as a recording sheet. Assign one card to each student (or pair) to start, having them rotate through each of the cards to write on their recording sheet whether the colored/underlined portion is an open or closed syllable.

Differentiation Ideas

Create a List of Open and Closed Syllables

Fast finishers can take this activity further by creating a list or anchor chart of words they find around the room or in texts with examples of open and closed syllables.

Easily Prepare This Open and Closed Syllable Game for Your Students

Print the matching cards on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all game parts in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Before You Download

Use the drop-down icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. An answer key is also included with this download.

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This resource was created by Lisamarie Del Valle, a teacher in Florida and a Teach Starter Collaborator.