My last post was on the different patterns that make up syllable division. Now, I want to go through each pattern and how to label a word for easy pronunciation. If you have not read the post(s) on REVLOC, please read that now, and come back. It is important to have an understanding of REVLOC before dividing words, because after dividing the words into syllables, the rules of REVLOC will make pronunciation of the word much easier.
The first pattern (I learned in the OG course I took) is VCCV, or Vowel-Consonant-Consonant-Vowel. There are four different kinds of VCCV word patterns. They are labeled according to REVLOC syllable types.
They are:
Rabbit Two closed syllables
Reptile One Closed, One Magic E syllables
Candy One Closed, One Open syllables
Hornet One Closed, One R-Controlled syllables
To determine the type of word, we underline vowels, label the pattern, (in this case) divide between the two consonants, label each syllable based on REVLOC, and use that labeling to pronounce the word.
Here is an example of the dividing of each:

Here are examples of each type of word patterns. See if you can divide them!
Rabbit words. Underline vowels, divide between consonants, label syllable according to REVLOC.
Plastic
Muffin
Mutton
Segment
Aspen
Puffin
Tennis
Velvet
Dentist
Bandit
Sudden
Goblet
Sandal
Signal
In order to make sure a student is grasping the concept and not just memorizing words, it is common to use nonsense words in exercises. Below is an example of some nonsense words to divide.
Flimsat
Hegnon
Vindip
Dibsob
Wombud
Kinvit
Uglol
Algam
Lansut
In addition to coding words, students should practice reading all words out loud. This fortifies the understanding of the different syllable types and the sounds they make. Students should even read the nonsense words.
Reptile Words. One closed and one magic e syllable. Divide between two consonants in VCCV pattern.
Hemline
Stampede
Sunshine
Costume
Dictate
Baptize
Ignite
Compile
Confide
Dislike
Candy words. One closed syllable, one open syllable. VCCV divide between the two consonants.
Taffy
Lobby
Fifty
Dusty
Hobby
Nanny
Sixty
Handy
Bumpy
Floppy
Plenty
Ugly
Nifty
Thrifty
Jiffy
Kitty
Pansy
Witty
Caddy
Hornet Words. One of the syllables will be R-controlled. Divide between the two consonants.
Market
Butler
Marlin
Banner
Garnet
Orbit
Border
Tardy
Scamper
Termite
Otter
Lumber
Hammer
Garment
Fender
Rafter
Perfume – R controlled and magic e
Burly – R controlled and open
Garlic
Sister
Derby
Harness
Garden
Harvest
Limber
Scarlet
Sherbet
Here is a list of three syllable VCCV words. And a picture of how they would be labeled.
Fantastic
Encompass
Confiscate
Atlantic
Indignant
Compensate
Insistent

Want more? Check out the Workbook Store. This information plus worksheets are in the workbook store. See VCCV Workbook Packet Rabbit Words.
(16) Comments
This is great! I’m going to add this site to me need to read list!
Thank you for letting me know! It feels nice that my work here is appreciated.
thanks, nice post.
hi
This is a very good site for me while doing my homework. I hope that you will come up with more very sophisticated words.
From Byron
To (whoever you are)
Thank you Byron!
Wow, I was amazed to find this information today! I am an ESE elementary school teacher who has gone through the training of Project Read.Project Read teaches the 5 cutting patterns and 7 syllabication types. I wanted to start teaching my 8 year old this way of decoding ,so when I searched for vccv words I came across your sight. I am SO EXCITED! I did a lesson with her and my niece with vccv and used your terminology of “rabbit,reptile, candy, hornet” words and it went so well! I made a color coded list of each type and taught them how to “cut/mark” the words. Thank you so much! I am now visiting your other posts to check out that terminoglogy….like camal and tiger words. This is awesome!
Hi Michelle, Thank you for letting me know my blog is helping. It’s why I do it! Let me know if you have any questions. ?
Fantastic blog – thank you so much for sharing
Thank you Angela!
What about -Cle words with a closed first syllable like bubble, apple, and rattle? Are these considered VCCV words? Do you teach this pattern?
Hi Rebecca, -cle is actually its own syllable type, the L in REVLOC (fle would say “f’l” ble would say “b’l,” etc.), and the pattern is also its own syllable pattern C+LE — taught as a pattern. “When you see C+LE, go to the end and count back three.” Then divide. You teach it that way for both “table” words with an open first syllable and “puzzle” words with a closed first syllable. A closed pattern can also have words that do not have a doubled consonant, like “rumple” or “gristle.” This C+ LE pattern is taught later in a scope and sequence than VCCV.
Please let me know if you have follow-up questions to this explanation.
Jen