Mem Fox in Reading Magic (2005) also cites research that claims that “Experts in literacy and child development have discovered
that if children know eight nursery rhymes by heart by the time they’re four years old they’re usually among
the best readers by the time they are eight.”
that if children know eight nursery rhymes by heart by the time they’re four years old they’re usually among
the best readers by the time they are eight.”
In the words of children, rhyming is "words that sound the same at the end". Incorporate rhyming games, songs and activities through play every day. Rhyme helps children improve oral language, vocabulary and intonation giving children the autonomy to manipulate, experiment and play with their language. The ability to rhyme is an element of phonemic awareness that includes how to listen to, identify, and change the sounds in oral language. By making children aware that words share segments of sounds (e.g. the -ight segment shared by light, fight, and might) rhymes help prepare them to learn that such words often have spelling sequences in common too (Goswami, 1986).
Rhyming is an important skill that is part of the foundations to proficient reading and writing in the early years. Studies have demonstrated that the better children are at detecting rhymes the quicker and more successful they will be at learning to read (Bradley, 1988c, Bradley & Bryant, 1983, Ellis & Large, 1987).Teaching rhyme through songs, games, literature and play are examples of how educators incorporate rhyme through play based teaching and learning.
Play Based experiences that explore rhyme...
FAT CAT SONG
Context: Transitional Games and Songs
Audio: Click on Play Song to listen to FAT CAT SONG by Karyn Henley (1999)
Activity: Words and actions to the song 'Fat Cat' (Fat Cat Song) . This song has strong elements of rhyme that is emphasised throughout the lyrics. Educators are able to draw upon lyrics to make intentional connections between rhyming words.
Fat Cat Song Lyrics
NURSERY RHYME BAG
Context: Morning Routines / Circle time (songs, finger plays, movement)
Activity: Children are all sitting in a circle. One child at a time chooses a 'lucky dip' toy out of the nursery rhyme bag. They then share what it is with the class and then problem solve to decide on the Nursery Rhyme that matches the toy. The children then all sing the nursery rhyme together. Repetition and rhyme is highlighted, emphasised and informally addressed through well known songs and rhymes.
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