Rhyme awareness

What is 'rhyme awareness'?

Rhyme awareness relates to the ability to identify and say words that rhyme. These words have a different beginning sound (onset) and the same ending sound (rime).

Why it matters

By identifying and playing with rhyming words, children become more attuned to the sounds that make up words, a skill essential for later decoding and spelling. Rhyme awareness also enhances memory and helps children understand word patterns, making it easier for them to recognise words when they start reading. It also supports vocabulary growth and builds confidence in language, laying the groundwork for fluent reading and comprehension as they progress.

Activities using Cami's Reading
Adventure Card Set

‘Look at the pictures on this card. Do they rhyme?’
learn-to-read-with-cami-rhyme-awareness-teaching-resources.webp

More rhyme awareness activities

  • This skill can also be practised using the orange card set by sorting the set into words that rhyme or playing memory with the rhyming words. Choose a card. ‘Name this picture. Say the word. Can you think of a word that rhymes with this word?’ Choose two cards. ‘Name these pictures. Do these words rhyme?’

Teaching tips

  • Rhyme can be a difficult skill to master for some children with learning disabilities and difficulties. Research shows that explicit instruction and opportunities to practise the skill helps.