This Old Man, Hush Little Baby, and Hickory Dickory Dock are just a few of the nursery rhymes that you most likely remember from your childhood. They have lasting power. Not only have they been shared for generations, but they also serve a very important purpose in literacy development. Rhyming helps to develop phonological awareness which is a key predictor of future reading success. Use this list of rhyming games and activities to take your student’s rhyming skills up a notch.
What is a rhyme? Rhyme– a word that corresponds with another in its terminal (ending) sound (example: hug/rug)
All of these rhyming games and activities are focused on kids hearing and orally identifying and generating rhyming words. The purpose is to develop phonological awareness. These skills can later be applied to reading words and spelling.
At what age should you use these games and activities? Some of these activities can be used with toddlers. All of them are perfect for preschoolers through grade 1.
Let’s get rhyming.
Rhyming Games
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Perfect for a class party or small group work.
The Three Little Kittens Rhyming Mittens
A wonderful activity to do after reading The Three Little Kittens.
Rhyming Activities
A fun activity to use after reading The Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Brett.
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus Rhyming Activity
Enjoy this activity after reading Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems.
Rhyming Songs/Chants with Activities
Around the World Apple Tree Song and Rhyme
Rhyming Books
Make Your Own Silly Rhyming Book
Circle Song and Chants to Build Literacy Skills
Keep the phonological awareness-building going with our Circle Time Songs and Chants.
Circle Time Songs and Chants Vol. 1
Circle Time Songs and Chants Vol. 2
Rhyme away with these fun hands-on activities.
*This post first appeared on Growing Book by Book in November of 2016.