Closed Syllables - VC/V Pattern

When we come across a VCV pattern, the consonant USUALLY goes with the second syllable, creating an open first syllable. However, sometimes it closes in the vowel in the first syllable. e.g. comet, cabin, finish

This is called the closed VC/V pattern.

The open V/CV pattern is more common and should be taught before introducing the closed VC/V pattern.

Teaching Tips

1. Teach the open V/CV pattern first. THis is the most common pattern – over 75% of the time when a word has a VCV pattern, the word will be divided after the vowel to make an open syllable
2. Practise closed VC/V in isolation (closed syllables)
3. Mixed practice with open V/CV and closed VC/V. Students have to figure out which way the word needs to be broken up. Students should try putting the consonant with the second syllable first because that’s the most common. If the word doesn't sound right, they should then try putting the consonant with the first syllable instead. For example:
   1. robin (closed VC/V)
   2. human (open V/CV)
   3. limit (closed VC/V)
   4. basic (open V/CV)

In summary...

The open V/CV pattern is more common and should be taught before introducing the closed VC/V pattern.

Over 75% of the time when a word has a VCV pattern, the word will be divided after the vowel. 

You might like to tell your students – who would win if a camel and a tiger got into a fight? This helps them to remember that the tiger rule is more common.

Teach the open V/CV and closed VC/V patterns in isolation before you mix and match them.