Split the Word

What Split the Word practices

Split the Word gives practice finding where a printed two-syllable word breaks into two parts. In the game, puddle becomes pud|dle: the child taps the gap between the two d’s.

Use the same three-step routine each time: find the two parts, read each part, then blend the parts back into the whole word. The game says each part and the whole word so the child can compare what they read.

Who it suits

Readers who can already read short words and are ready to practice printed two-syllable words. This activity focuses on finding the break, reading each part, and putting the two parts back together.

How a round goes

While your child is thinking, a ghost finger demonstrates on a different word, split at a different place, so the idea is clear without giving the answer away. Your child taps the gap where the word breaks.

A wrong gap wobbles with “Try again”, and after two misses the right gap pulses. A right gap slides the halves apart and each part is spoken. One word per round keeps it quick, about two minutes for a ring.

A tip for home

Try the routine with puddle. Point to pud|dle and say the parts together: pud, then dle. Model either part if it is unfamiliar. Next, slide a finger under the whole word while your child blends puddle. Keep the written split visible while they put the two parts together.

Try next

• Syllable Types — names the pattern in each part so the vowel sound is clear.
• Clap the Parts — hears the syllables out loud before seeing them in print.
• Part Meanings — looks at word parts that carry meaning, like un- and re-.
• Add the Ending — adds -s, -ing or -ed to a word to match what the picture does.

Read more

Can my child still catch up on reading?: practical guidance for supporting a child who is finding reading hard.