Rhyming is such a crucial part of reading. Not to mention it can be plain out fun and silly at times. Banana-nana-fo-fana (you now have that stuck in your head, sorry). Here is a super easy activity that encourages rhyming, word families, and practices breaking down words to read.
Supplies:
- Paper towel roll
- Dry cleaner hanger
- Scissors
- Marker
Cut your paper towel roll into sections.
Write the ending sound of a word on a section. You can write another word fragment on other sides, too. I wrote “an” and “at” on this one.
Now write letters or the first sounds of words on another piece of cut tube. You can throw in some weird ones that will not make words to get some giggles, too.
While I was writing, I had some help. Little sister loved helping out with writing all over her piece. She is actually a lefty, so this is photo is hilarious to me. At least she is interested. 😉
Pull out one end of the hanger from the bar.
Slide your tube pieces on and replace the hanger end back inside the bar.
Now your child can spin the first letter (or sound) of the word to make different words.
You can practice rhyming as you go through them. It is fun to sing out the words and maybe dance a bit, too. But we are pretty active around here and I am sure your house is just as wild spirited.
My favorite thing about this is that it transports so easily. I know we can grab it and take it to another room without messing it up and causing a meltdown. It hangs easily on the toilet paper roll holder so we can play while we take our extra long potty breaks. It keeps my kids engaged while I do things in the kitchen and even can hang on the back of mommy’s seat in the van for playing while we run errands.
I hope you enjoy this activity as much as we do.
 Kim is a contributing writer for No Time For Flash Cards, a mom to a toddler, a preschooler, a first grader and a foster parent, too. She juggles her day by trying out fun activities and crafts with the kids. After all, she is just a big kid herself. See what she has been up to over at Mom Tried It.
Mariam says
What a great idea ! Often times my sons spelling words in kindergarten rhyme so this activity will be very helpful. Thanks alot for sharing
Elizabeth Kane says
Oh, this is genius! I’m already thinking of ways to use this for kids who are learning difficult musical rhythms…
Kimberly Scanlon says
Great idea! Smple, inexpensive and best of all fun because it’s hands on and there’s an element of surprise and anticipation. Thanks, Kim.
Kimira says
Now. that. is. totally. awesome. I am pinning it.
Mums make lists (@mumsmakelists) says
Great post.
Would love for you to link it up at my new Empty Your Archive link party which is a chance to dust off great posts from your archive – – there is a special focus this week on reading posts – would really love to see you there, Alice @ Mums Make Lists x
Hilary says
I used this during a speech therapy session for my kindergarten client. My client finally grasped the concept of “Rhyming” through this. I over the moon excited! Such a great and fun method to teach Rhyming.