Rhyming plays a crucial role in developing phonemic awareness and preparing for reading. How do you effectively teach and reinforce this essential skill? Discover the solutions you need in Rhyming For Little Learners!
Years ago, rhyming was a key standard in pre-K and kindergarten education. Many teachers taught this literacy skill using nursery rhymes. However, a shift occurred with the implementation of Common Core several years ago. Teachers started to downplay the importance of rhyming, emphasizing the need to allocate time to other academic subjects. Nevertheless, education, like any other field, evolves continuously, with ongoing research. While some educators have always valued phonological awareness, the recent focus on the Science of Reading has revitalized the emphasis on phonological awareness. The reality is that rhyming holds significance.
Nursery Rhymes and Songs
Nursery rhymes offer a delightful and interactive approach to introducing rhyming to kindergarteners. By singing songs with rhyming words, your little learners can easily recognize and grasp word patterns. To kick off the year, consider starting with The Name Game song by incorporating students’ names like Sarah.…Sarah, Sarah, Sarah, bo barah, bo-na-na, fa-,na, fo farah; fe, fi, mo, marah, Sarah. You can feature 4 or 5 names daily, adding an element of surprise by selecting names randomly for a more exciting and suspenseful experience. Additionally, explore finger play songs and video songs to further engage your little learners.
Itsy Bitsy Spider
5 Little Monkeys Swinging in a Tree
I’m a Little Tea Pot
Open, Shut Them
Make a Rhyme, Make a Move from Jack Hartmann
Exercise, Rhyme & Freeze from Jack Hartmann
I Love to Rhyme from Jack Hartmann
Rocco the Rhyming Rhino from Jack Hartmann
The Rhyming Words Game from Jack Hartmann
Rhyming Kit
This Rhyming Kit is a must have for all kindergarten teachers!! All the materials required to introduce, teach, and practice rhyming are included in this kit! This comprehensive resource can be used repeatedly once prepared.
Creative Writing
Provide opportunities for your kindergarteners to write their own rhymes or poems. This hands-on approach can boost their confidence in identifying and creating rhyming words.
Books
Reading rhyming books aloud to kindergarteners can expose them to a variety of rhyming words and patterns. Encourage children to predict the rhyming words as you read together. (Check out-Fun Rhyming Activities For Your Kindergarten Classroom for my favorite rhyming books)
Since Rhyming is essential for enhancing phonemic awareness and laying the foundation for reading, It’s crucial to have activities that focus on teaching and practicing this literacy skill. I trust that the suggestions and resources mentioned above will help kickstart your journey or enrich your rhyming collection for the upcoming kindergarten school year.
