Spelling Long Words One Syllable at a Time

Spell multisyllable words by saying, splitting, and spelling each syllable.

Syllable types help with spelling as well as reading. To spell a long word, say it slowly, split it into syllables, and spell each one using what you know about its type. Let's spell 'fantastic'. Say it: fan-tas-tic. 'Fan' is closed, so f-a-n. 'Tas' is closed, so t-a-s. 'Tic' is closed with a /k/ sound at the end; in a word of more than one syllable, a final /ik/ is usually spelled 'ic', so t-i-c.

Together: fantastic. Now 'reptile': rep is closed, and 'tile' has a long i with a silent e, so VCe. Saying each syllable clearly, sometimes exaggerating it, helps you hear every sound so none goes missing.

• 1Say the word slowly and split it into syllables.
• 2Use each syllable's type to choose spellings.
• 3Final /ik/ in longer words is usually spelled ic.