Help dyslexic children practise word sounds and learn reading skills.
To become a good reader, a child needs to break down words into sounds. This helps them develop strong reading and writing skills.
A fun ‘clapping syllables’ game can help a dyslexic child to practise word sounds.
Clapping syllables is based on scientific research. Learn more: “Rhythmic processing in children with developmental dyslexia”.
Free 10-minute course
Help a dyslexic child learn word sounds
Fun sound puzzles, in 3 short activities. 10 minutes a day, with free printable worksheets.
Learn word sounds to improve reading
Get advice from the Dyslexic Mum about how to make practising word sounds into a fun game:
“When I was in the local Brownies group, we used to play the childhood game ‘I went to the shop and bought…’. You may have memories of playing this game. It is a simple game of remembering a shopping list of items.
I have turned this simple game into an activity, to make breaking words down into syllables more fun for dyslexic children.”
Try it today: the clapping shopping game
- Start the list – say “I went to the shop and bought a ba-na-na”, clapping once for each beat (3 claps).
- Take turns – your child repeats the list, adds their own item and claps out its beats.
Keep going round until someone forgets an item. Then start a new list.
Want the full game, ready to play?
The Clapping Syllables card has ready-made steps for you on the front and a picture activity for your child on the back. Everything is in one place. It’s one of 56 ten-minute activities in the Mooki Cards deck.
Instant download · use on a phone or tablet, or print and fill in
Watch the game in action
Watch the ‘Clapping Syllables Game’ video below, where the Dyslexic Mum shows how to play.
Learn how playing a clapping syllables game can help a dyslexic child:
- Clapping – clapping helps sound out syllables in words. This supports multi-sensory learning. Dyslexic kids learn best when they use their whole bodies. Moving, dancing and singing help them remember word sounds.
- Family fun – involving the whole family makes learning fun. The child won’t even realise they are practising word sounds. Choose a relaxed time, like after dinner or on a Sunday afternoon.
- Play again – you can play this game many times. Use new words each time to practise more syllables.
The Mooki Cards offer many more fun educational games, like the Rule of 10. These are great for helping dyslexic children learn new spellings.
