Learning About Language through Rhymes

One important strategy we use in our classroom to learn about language is using rhymes.  Playing with words and sounds in words develops phonemic awareness, a beginning step to lay a strong foundation for reading and writing.

Children’s names are one personal way to learn about language.

This is a rhyme we use everyday in our circle time.

Hickety, pickety bumble-bee

Who can say their name for me?

When a child says his or her name.  We follow the child’s lead to clap, snap, and stomp the “parts” or syllables in each name.  For example we clap two times as we say “An-nie.”  We clap one time for “John.”

Children can hear and play with sounds in their names.  Try our rhyme with your family’s names. 

Words like “hickety” and “pickety” are another example of playing with language using rhyme. In these words, children develop sensitivity to hear the rhymes in words. Listen for rhyming words on television commercials and everyday things!

Image from beachpackagingdesign.com

Try playing with rhymes at home.  Say a rhyme in the morning when you wake up your child or when you walk to the car or bus stop.  Follow this link to find more rhymes and finger-plays from the librarians at the public library.