Consonant-LE Words Explained: Table Words, Puzzle Words, and Syllable Division

If you’ve taught syllable types and syllable division, you’ve probably come across consonant-LE words like table, little, and puzzle. These are a different type of syllable division than students are used to because the final -le doesn’t follow what we typically think of as a syllable.

The good news is that consonant+LE words follow a very predictable pattern. Once students understand and learn to recognize the consonant + le (CLE) at the end of a word, these words become much easier to read, spell, and divide into syllables.

In this guide, you’ll learn what consonant-LE words are, the difference between Table and Puzzle words, and ways to teach this important syllable division pattern.

What Are Consonant-LE Words?

Consonant-LE words (known as CLE or the L in REVLOC) end with a consonant followed by -le, such as table, little, candle, and simple. The final –cle forms its own syllable.

One of the easiest ways to identify these words is to look for the consonant-le pattern, go to the end, count back three, then divide. In this beginning syllable division, students will get a Puzzle (C/CLE) Word or a Table Word (O/CLE).

Let’s explore what those patterns are and how to teach them.

What Are Puzzle Words?

Puzzle words come first on our scope and sequence when teaching the consonant + LE syllable division pattern. Puzzle words have a closed first syllable with a consonant-LE syllable.

Examples include:

• puz/zle
• lit/tle
• mid/dle
• rid/dle

Because the first syllable is closed, the vowel is closed in and says its short sound.

What Are Table Words?

Table words come after puzzle words in our scope and sequence when teaching the consonant + LE syllable division pattern. Table words have an open first syllable with a consonant-LE syllable.

Examples include:

• ta/ble
• ma/ple
• ca/ble
• sta/ble

Because the first syllable is open, the vowel says its long sound.

Why Are They Called Table Words and Puzzle Words?

In Orton-Gillingham, a lot of tutors and teachers use the names Puzzle and Table to help students remember the two common consonant-LE patterns.

Students simply remember two familiar words:

• Puzzle reminds them of the closed first syllable (C/CLE).
• Table reminds them of the open first syllable (O/CLE).

How Do You Teach Consonant-LE Words?

I like teaching consonant-LE words in this order:

1. Teach students to recognize the C+le ending, teaching these as a syllable type.
2. Introduce Table and Puzzle words separately.
3. Practice dividing words using the Count Back Three strategy.
4. Read connected text containing consonant-LE words.
5. Practice spelling through dictation and sentence writing.

Common Mistakes

Students often:

• forget that -cle forms its own syllable.
• divide the word in the wrong place.
• confuse Table and Puzzle words.
• guess instead of identifying the syllable pattern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are consonant-LE words part of Orton-Gillingham?

Yes. Consonant-LE words are commonly taught in Orton-Gillingham and other structured literacy approaches because they help students decode and spell multisyllabic words.

What is the Count Back Three strategy?

The Count Back Three strategy helps students divide many consonant-LE words by starting at the end of the word, locating -cle, and counting back three letters before making the division.

Are all consonant-LE words Table or Puzzle words?

No. Table and Puzzle words provide a great introduction to the consonant-LE pattern because they are predictable and easy for students to recognize.

Starting with these two patterns allows students to focus on learning the consonant-LE syllable instead of also having to identify more advanced spelling patterns, such as r-controlled syllables. As students become more confident, they can apply the same strategy to additional consonant-LE words that don’t fit neatly into the Table or Puzzle categories.

Ready for More Practice?

If you’re looking for organized lessons, decodable readers, dictation activities, and assessments, take a look at my Consonant-LE Activities & Fluency resource.

You may also enjoy:

• Consonant-LE Word Lists
• How to Teach Consonant-LE (Video)

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