Let’s Count Those Syllables!

I think it must be the rhythm, but kids love to talk choppy and count syllables of words. I know. It’s a bit crazy that a three and four year old could actually tell you that hippopotamus has five syllables! But, try it — even to yourself. Say it choppy (or staccato if you’re musically inclined) and count with your fingers. Hip-po-pot-a-mus! FIVE! I used to do this in my kindergarten class and somehow remembered it when I was with Ryan one day. I’m pretty sure we started doing this last summer, when she wasn’t quite four yet! I think we started with her name.

(And — I do apologize, counting with fingers isn’t a good habit but since it’s just for this, I figured it couldn’t hurt!)