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3rd Grade Syllable Types worksheets

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Syllable Types

Grade 3 Spelling Worksheet - Challenge Me

NameDate

Circle the answer.

  1. What type of syllable is "ca" in "vol-ca-no"?

    • closed syllable
    • vowel-team syllable
    • open syllable
    • r-controlled syllable

  2. Which shows the right way to divide "pineapple" into syllables?

    • pine-ap-ple
    • pi-neap-ple
    • pine-app-le
    • pin-eap-ple

  3. "ter" in "com-pu-ter" is an r-controlled syllable. Which word also has an r-controlled syllable?

    • purple
    • mistake
    • music
    • insect

  4. Why is "teen" in "sev-en-teen" a vowel-team syllable?

    • the vowel is followed by r, which changes its sound
    • it ends with one vowel, so the vowel says its name
    • two vowel letters work together for one sound
    • it is a consonant followed by le at the end of the word

  5. Name the syllable types in "but-ter-fly", in order.

    • closed + r-controlled + vowel-consonant-e
    • closed + r-controlled + closed
    • closed + r-controlled + open
    • open + r-controlled + open

  6. What type of syllable is "tle" in "rat-tle-snake"?

    • closed syllable
    • vowel-team syllable
    • consonant-le syllable
    • open syllable

  7. Which shows the right way to divide "tornado" into syllables?

    • torn-a-do
    • to-rna-do
    • tor-na-do
    • tor-nad-o

  8. "pine" in "por-cu-pine" is a vowel-consonant-e syllable. Which word also has a vowel-consonant-e syllable?

    • raincoat
    • table
    • reptile
    • garden

  9. Why is "por" in "im-por-tant" an r-controlled syllable?

    • two vowel letters work together for one sound
    • it ends with one vowel, so the vowel says its name
    • it is a consonant followed by le at the end of the word
    • the vowel is followed by r, which changes its sound

  10. Name the syllable types in "cu-cum-ber", in order.

    • open + open + r-controlled
    • open + closed + r-controlled
    • open + vowel-consonant-e + r-controlled
    • open + closed + closed
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3rd Grade Syllable Types worksheet 1 – printable PDF
Download PDF: 123456

About this worksheet

Syllable types help third graders read longer words by explaining what kind of vowel pattern appears in each chunk. This is different from simply counting beats. A child may divide a word correctly but still miss why rain is a vowel-team syllable, why rise is a silent-e syllable, or why mar is r-controlled. This worksheet asks students to classify syllables as open, closed, vowel-consonant-e, vowel-team, r-controlled, or consonant-le.

Students also choose the right way to divide a word, name both syllable types in order, explain a type with its rule, and find another word with the same type of syllable. Support versions use two-syllable words. Challenge versions use three-syllable words such as volcano and porcupine. Encourage your child to look at the letters around the vowel, not just clap the word. Watch for guesses based only on word length.

What your child will learn

  • Identify common syllable types
  • Use vowel patterns to read longer words
  • Divide words without breaking a syllable pattern
  • Explain why a syllable is open, closed, or controlled

Common Core standard: RF.3.3.C

Worked example

In raincoat, rain is a vowel-team syllable because ai works together for one vowel sound.

Common mistake

Counting the syllables but not checking what kind of vowel pattern each syllable uses.

Helpful hint

Look at the letters around the vowel in the syllable.

Next skill: Dividing Words Into SyllablesEarlier: R-Controlled Vowels

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with syllable types?

Counting the syllables but not checking what kind of vowel pattern each syllable uses.

How can I help my child with syllable types?

Look at the letters around the vowel in the syllable.

Are these 3rd grade spelling worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

Similar: Dividing Words Into Syllables · Compound Words

More 3rd grade word study

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