Phonological awareness is the ability to recognize sounds in oral language (rhyme, alliteration, syllables, etc.) and is a key to reading success. Children must first hear the sounds before they can relate them to letters (phonics). Let's start today with rhyming. Learning to rhyme doesn't happen it one lesson...it takes a lot of oral language (nursery rhymes, finger plays), songs, books, and games to help children develop this skill.
Note! Over the next few days my blogs will focus on alliteration, syllabication, blending, and onset and rime. Most of these can be adapted to the different learning situations where you might be teaching this fall.
Rhyme Detectives
Tell the children that they will get to be detectives andlisten for words that rhyme. You say a word, and they put their pinkies up if they hear a word that rhymes with it. Pinkies down if it doesn’t rhyme.
For example: Cat - hat (pinkies up), run - dog (pinkies down).
Rhyme Detectives
Tell the children that they will get to be detectives andlisten for words that rhyme. You say a word, and they put their pinkies up if they hear a word that rhymes with it. Pinkies down if it doesn’t rhyme.
For example: Cat - hat (pinkies up), run - dog (pinkies down).
Rhythm Rhyme
Start a beat by slapping legs two times, clapping hands two times, and snapping fingers two times. On the first snapping beat the teacher says a word. On the second snapping beat the children say a word that rhymes.
For example:
Slap, slap, clap, clap, snap, snap.
Slap, slap, clap, clap, mitten.
Slap, slap, clap, clap, kitten.
Slap, slap, clap, clap, star.
Slap, slap, clap, clap, car.
Rhyming Song
Do this activity to the tune of “Skip to My Lou.”
Cat (hold out right hand)
Hat (hold out left hand)
Those words rhyme.
Cat (hold out right hand)
Hat (hold out left hand)
Those words rhyme.
Cat (hold out right hand)
Hat (hold out left hand)
Those words rhyme.
They all end with “at.” (Roll hands around as you say this.)
Rhyme Dance
The children stand and begin dancing to some catchy music. When the music stops the children must "freeze." The teacher says a word and tells the children think of a word that rhymes. The teacher then calls on several children to say words that rhyme. The teacher can "unfreeze" the class after a few rhyming words have been said. The game continues as children dance, freeze, and say rhyming words.
Riddle Rhyme Game
Let children make up their own rhymes in this game. First, they choose an object. Next, they say a word that it rhymes, along with another clue. For example: “This rhymes with hair and it is something you sit on.” “This rhymes with look and it is something you read.”
Rhyme Bag Homework
Give each child a lunch bag and for homework ask them to bring two objects that rhyme. As they take turns sharing their items encourage classmates to think of other words that rhyme with their objects.
Cat (hold out right hand)
Hat (hold out left hand)
Those words rhyme.
Cat (hold out right hand)
Hat (hold out left hand)
Those words rhyme.
Cat (hold out right hand)
Hat (hold out left hand)
Those words rhyme.
They all end with “at.” (Roll hands around as you say this.)
Rhyme Dance
The children stand and begin dancing to some catchy music. When the music stops the children must "freeze." The teacher says a word and tells the children think of a word that rhymes. The teacher then calls on several children to say words that rhyme. The teacher can "unfreeze" the class after a few rhyming words have been said. The game continues as children dance, freeze, and say rhyming words.
Riddle Rhyme Game
Let children make up their own rhymes in this game. First, they choose an object. Next, they say a word that it rhymes, along with another clue. For example: “This rhymes with hair and it is something you sit on.” “This rhymes with look and it is something you read.”
Rhyme Bag Homework
Give each child a lunch bag and for homework ask them to bring two objects that rhyme. As they take turns sharing their items encourage classmates to think of other words that rhyme with their objects.
Note! You don't need to use the bag. Just ask them to find two objects that rhyme for homework.
