Did you know that rhyming is one of the best predictors of how easily a child will learn to read? That’s because good rhymers are better equipped to notice that rhyming words often have shared letter sequences, such as –all in tall, ball, and small, which in turn gives them a considerable head start in learning to read.

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What Is Rhyming?

That may seem like a silly question, but it can be difficult to explain the concept of rhyming to a child who just doesn’t “get it.” Here’s a simple definition. When two words sound the same at the end, like duck and truck, they rhyme.

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5 Simple Ways to Teach Rhyming to your student:

1. Read rhyming picture books together:

There are hundreds of great rhyming books. As you read, occasionally point out words that rhyme. (“Oh, goat and boat rhyme! They sound the same at the end. Goat, boat.”)

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2. Play “Get Out of the Wagon” with your student:

“Get Out of the Wagon” is a popular rhyming game. In this activity, three-word cards—like rake, cake, and king—are placed in a wagon. The child determines which word doesn’t rhyme and tells it to “get out of the wagon.”  Print the game below, you may want to laminate it for multiple uses!

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3. Read nursery rhymes with your student:

Nursery rhymes are conducive to reciting again and again. After your child knows the nursery rhyme, have them point out the rhyming words.

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4. Play “What’s in My Bag?” with your student:

Once your student can successfully recognize rhymes, this activity will help him learn to produce rhymes. Just fill a bag with several common household items and you’re ready to play “What’s in My Bag?”  

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5. Play “Dinner Time”:

Print the game below, you may want to laminate it for multiple uses! It’s guaranteed to provide lots of giggles for kids and tutors!