Multisyllable Words

A syllable is a single, unbroken sound of a spoken (or written) word. It usually contains a vowel sound.

The word 'banana' has three syllables: ba-na-na.

When dividing syllables, each syllable must contain at least one vowel.

hap/py

A vowel is a letter that represents a speech sound made with the vocal tract open. The vowels in English are A, E, I, O, U.

The word 'elephant' has three syllables: el-e-phant.

A consonant is any letter in the alphabet that is not a vowel.

com/pu/ter

Vowels are open sounds made with the mouth, while consonants are sounds made by obstructing airflow.

You can clap your hands for each vowel sound you hear in the word.