Make learning syllables an exciting adventure with Shiver Me Syllables! This engaging, pirate-themed game is designed to help young learners strengthen their phonological awareness by counting syllables in words. Through hands-on play, students will develop an understanding of syllabication as an essential skill for reading and spelling. Perfect for small groups, individual play, or literacy centres, this activity brings a fun and interactive way to practise breaking words into syllables.

How to Complete

1. Print the Shivers Me Syllables Boards and Cards on thick card for durability. Cut out the cards and boards before use.
2. Each student will need a Shiver Me Syllables Board, access to the cards and toy coins or counters.
3. A student selects a Shiver Me Syllables Card from the pile. They say the name of the image aloud and determine the number of syllables in the word. For each syllable counted, they are able to place a toy coin or counter onto their game board. Play continues until a student covers all the spaces on their board.

Additional Tips

1. Encourage students to clap, tap, or stomp as they say they word to break it into syllables.
2. As an alternative to toy coins, use toy gems to cover the game boards.
3. Reinforce syllable counting by having students sort the cards into 1, 2, 3, or 4 syllable groups before starting the game.
4. To add an element of competitive spirit to the game, ensure that students fill each space on their board exactly. For example, if a student has two spaces left on their board, they cannot win if they select a card with three or four syllables.

Extension Ideas

1. Team Play: Divide the class into teams and see who can fill their board first.
2. Writing Connection: After playing, have students write words from their board and underline the syllables.
3. Challenge Mode: Ask students to think of another word with the same number of syllables as the one on their card.
4. Speed Round: Time students to see how quickly they can complete their board with the correct syllable counts.

Our Shiver Me Syllables game is a fantastic way to reinforce phonological awareness, build vocabulary, and make learning multisensory and fun!