Closed Syllable Exceptions

Overview

In this 30-minute interactive lesson, 3rd-grade students will learn to identify and decode closed syllable exception words through reading and sorting activities. They will practice articulating why these words do not follow the typical closed syllable rule using sentence frames. The lesson supports both phonics skill development and language expression, aligned with Common Core State Standards and Colorado State Standards for English Language Arts.

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Learning Objectives

Phonics Objective:

• Students will know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills to decode multisyllable words with closed syllable exceptions.

Language Objective:

• Students will read, sort, and explain closed syllable exception words using the sentence frame:
  "This word is an exception because..."

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Standards Alignment

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) - English Language Arts:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.3.3.A – Identify and know the meaning of the most common prefixes and derivational suffixes.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.3.3.C – Decode multisyllable words.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.4.A – Use sentence-level context as a clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.

Colorado Academic Standards - English Language Arts:

• ELA.3.R.F.3 – Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
• ELA.3.L.1 – Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking (focus on clear explanation).

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Materials Needed

• Word cards with closed syllable exception words (e.g., some, come, love, have, give)
• Sorting mats labeled "Follows Rule" and "Exception"
• Sentence frame posters or handouts: "This word is an exception because..."
• Whiteboard and markers
• Student notebooks or phonics journals
• Timer (for pacing)

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Lesson Procedure

1. Warm-up and Review (5 minutes)

• Begin by reviewing what a closed syllable is: a syllable with a short vowel ending in a consonant (e.g., cat, sit).
• Write two example words on the board — one that follows the closed syllable rule (cat) and one that is an exception (some).
• Ask students to sound out both words and describe what they notice about the second word that makes it an exception.

2. Introduction to Closed Syllable Exceptions (5 minutes)

• Explain that while most closed syllable words have short vowels, some words don’t follow this rule and are called closed syllable exceptions.
• Show 3–4 example word cards and read them aloud together, emphasizing the vowel sounds.
• Introduce the sentence frame:
  "This word is an exception because it has a vowel sound that is not short even though it ends in a consonant."

3. Active Sorting & Partner Talk (10 minutes)

• Divide students into pairs and give each pair a set of word cards and two sorting mats (Follows Rule / Exception).
• Students take turns reading each word aloud and deciding which mat it belongs to.
• When a student sorts an exception word, they practice completing the sentence frame orally with their partner.
• Teacher circulates to provide support, correction, and prompt use of the sentence frame.

4. SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist) Activity (5 minutes)

• Conduct a structured oral language activity targeting phonological awareness and expressive skills:
  • Have each student select one exception word and say the sentence frame aloud:
    "This word is an exception because..."
  • Encourage precise articulation of the vowel sounds and focusing on the irregular pattern.
  • Integrate multisensory cues (e.g., tapping syllables, clapping) to reinforce phoneme segmentation and blending.

5. Wrap-up & Assessment (5 minutes)

• Reconvene whole group and invite 3–4 volunteers to share one closed syllable exception word and complete the sentence frame.
• On the board, write one or two student-generated explanations to reinforce academic language.
• For informal assessment, confer individually with 3–4 students to check decoding skills and understanding of the exception rule.
• Assign a short "Exit Ticket" where students independently sort 3 words and write one sentence explaining an exception word.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For Struggling Students: Use visual cue cards with pictures linked to the words, provide extra modeling, and use articulatory gestures to emphasize vowel sounds.
• For Advanced Students: Challenge them to find and sort additional closed syllable exceptions from their independent reading or personal word lists.
• ESL/ELL Supports: Provide sentence frames with visuals and practice phoneme repetition with a focus on vowel sounds.

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Reflection for Teachers

• Note which students correctly use the sentence frame and decode exception words efficiently.
• Watch and listen for common misconceptions, such as overgeneralizing the short vowel sound rule.
• Plan follow-up mini-lessons on other syllable types or complex vowel patterns depending on student needs.

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This lesson engages 3rd graders with hands-on sorting, peer interaction, and speech-language support, helping them master a challenging phonics concept while integrating language development.