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.

Grade 3 Syllable Types Worksheet

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 divisions that keep the target syllable intact and match another word with the same pattern. Encourage your child to look at the letters around the vowel, not just clap the word. The pattern explains how the syllable should sound when the word is read. 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

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 target syllable.

R-Controlled Vowels Prefixes

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 target 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.