Language Skills

Nursery Rhymes: Sing a nursery rhyme each week with the child. Talk about words that rhyme, describing them as words that sound the same at the end. As the child becomes more familiar with the rhyme, have them complete phrases by saying the rhyming word.  

Rhyme Time: Come up with simple riddles or poems and go over them with the child. Next, let the child fill in the rhyming word after you start the riddles or poem (e.g. “The black cat is very ____ (fat)” or “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a big ____ (fall)”. ) Remember, rhyming words sound the same at the end.

Odd Word Out with Rhyming: Let the child know they will be listening for the “odd word out” in groups of words that rhyme (e.g. man, can, book). Remember, rhyming words sound the same at the end.

Alliteration Awareness: While talking, point out words that have the same beginning sound (e.g., I saw the bird catch a bug. Bird and bug start with the same sound., At the store, we need to buy corn and ketchup. Corn and ketchup start with the same sound.).

Odd Word Out with Alliteration: Let the child know they will be listening for the “odd word out” in groups of words that have the same beginning sound (e.g. man, tree, monkey). Remember, words with the same beginning sound are examples of alliteration.

How many words do you hear?: Say a short sentence. Repeat the sentence with the child. Jump/clap/tap for each word while saying the sentence again. Say how many words are in the sentence. Repeat several times.

Syllable Sorting: Find objects, toys, trinkets in the home and ask the child to sort them by number of syllables in the word. Sorting mats can be made by writing the numerals 1-3 on pieces of paper. Place the objects on the appropriate number. What is a Syllable?

Nursery Rhymes: Recite nursery rhymes. Pause to talk about rhyming words and how they sound the same at the end. Nursery Rhyme Sheet

Rhyming Cards: Use printable rhyming cards for many activities. Rhyming Cards and Activities

Syllable Cards: Use printable picture cards to sort according to the number of syllables in words. Syllable Cards

Grover’s Rhyme Time: This interactive game engages children in rhyming practice.

Syllables: This interactive video demonstrates syllable segmentation. Repeat the activity with other words.