Five exercise types
Split words into syllables, clap and count them, build words from their syllables, sort words by number of syllables and circle the stressed syllable.
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Teaching guide: practising syllables
Breaking words into syllables helps children read and spell longer words. This free syllable worksheet generator uses real English words, split as phonics teaches and as dictionaries print them, to make A4 worksheets with an answer key: split, clap and count, build words, sort them and find the stressed syllable. Mix them with phonics worksheets for younger pupils and spelling pattern worksheets.
Student worksheet 
Answer key Three levels, Grades 1 to 4
Compound words and closed syllables, then open syllables, consonant + le and y endings, then longer words with suffixes.
Syllable division rules
Compound words split into their words (sun-set), VC/CV between two consonants (rab-bit, nap-kin), V/CV after a long vowel (ti-ger), VC/V after a short one (cam-el) and consonant + le (ta-ble).
Word stress
The stressed syllable of every word is marked by hand, so students can practise hearing it: TI-ger, ba-NAN-a, kan-ga-ROO.
Hand-checked word lists
Every word is split by hand as the dictionary divides it, with no words whose syllables are said differently from how they are written.
Answer key
The syllables of every word, the number of syllables, the word built, the columns filled in and the stressed syllable circled.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Syllable Worksheets
Which grades are these worksheets for?
Grades 1 to 4: level 1 for Grades 1 and 2, level 2 for Grades 2 and 3 and level 3, with longer words, for Grades 3 and 4. Stressed syllables start at level 2.
How are the words split into syllables?
As phonics teaches and dictionaries print them: compound words into their words (sun-set), between two consonants (rab-bit, nap-kin), before one consonant after a long vowel sound (ti-ger) and after it after a short one (cam-el), and consonant + le as its own syllable (ta-ble).
What is the clap and count exercise?
Students say each word aloud, clap once for every syllable, colour a circle per clap and write the number. It builds the phonological awareness that reading longer words depends on.
What is a stressed syllable?
The syllable you say louder and longer than the others: TI-ger, ba-NAN-a, kan-ga-ROO. Knowing it helps with reading new words and with spelling unstressed vowels.
Do the words repeat?
An exercise does not repeat a word while the level has new ones. Select it on the sheet and click “New” for new words with the same settings.
How do I print only the answer key?
Click Print and choose “Answer key”, or “Worksheet and answer key” to get both. Your browser's print dialog can also save it as a PDF.
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