Developing a children’s ability to hear the sounds of words is an important step toward learning to read. Learning to identify rhymes is an important component of this. Reading research has proven that students benefit from direct instruction on rhyme recognition paired with fun activities that target this skill. Parents do not have to buy anything to teach rhymes; however, there are many fun rhyming games, books, and other activities that parents can use to assist their children.
In this video, a classroom teacher describes what she does with students in her classroom; however, these activities can easily be done at home one-on-one with your child. skill tutorial video from Heggerty,
When should you start to teach your child to rhyme? Actually, there are rhyming books for as young as 1-3. One of them is Llama Llama Red Pajama which is available on Amazon for $7.27. Used editions are $1.44.
Of course, parents are not going to start by using written words. For a very young child, they should start with pictures or even just saying the rhyming words. Here is a link to a free online rhyming dictionary that can help you find words that rhyme: Rhymer • FREE Online Rhyming Dictionary There are many other rhyming dictionaries on the market if you prefer.
There are also lists of rhyming words such as: Rhyming Words | List of 70+ Interesting Words that Rhyme in English – English Study Online
In addition, there are online videos. Just search for “rhyming words for kids” on You-Tube.
Rhyming Words with Mr. Gaston Woodland – YouTube
The Rhyming Words Game | Rhyming Song for Kids | Reading & Writing Skills | Jack Hartmann – YouTube
Students can also draw pictures of objects that rhyme or cut out rhyming pictures found in magazines and place them in their books.
Last, please check out www.readingrockets.org for ideas about how you can help any age child with reading.
Instilling the joy of reading in your children is something for which they will always be grateful. Besides, it is fun!
P.S. Do not forget to read your children a bedtime story!
Susan Olsen, M.A., M.Ed.
Dorchester Moving Forward
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