Activity
LanguageUse what you own
Rhyming and word games
Sharpens the ear for the parts of words — the hearing that reading depends on — with nothing to carry or set up.
- Ages
- 4–5, 5–6 years
- Prep
- No setup
Put this to work this week
A week gives you what to gather, one change at home and one thing to observe. It starts with four short questions.
Readiness signs
Signs to look for, not a checklist to pass.
- Hears the first sound in words
- Enjoys silly language
- Can wait for a turn in a game
What to gather
Nothing — this is played in the car, on a walk, or while waiting
How to present it
Show it slowly and in silence. Your hands are the lesson.
- 1Say two words that rhyme and one that does not: cat, hat, dog. Ask which one does not belong.
- 2Then give a word and take turns finding rhymes. Nonsense words count and are part of the fun.
- 3Stop while your child still wants more.
What to say — and what to avoid
Say
- Cat, hat — which one is different?
- Made-up words are allowed.
Avoid
- That is not a real word
- No, try again
Control of error
Rhymes either sound the same or they do not, and your child hears it before you answer.
What to observe
Take these into the next cycle rather than judging the session.
- Do they hear the odd word out?
- Do they offer rhymes unprompted?
- Do they start playing it with someone else?
Simplify or extend
If it's too hard
Use two words at a time only: do these rhyme, yes or no?
Once it's mastered
Move to taking the first sound off a word — say cat without the cuh.
Sources and review
Nothing publishes here without a named reviewer and the sources it rests on.
Reviewed by Nicole · August 2026
- The Discovery of the Child — Maria Montessori. On spoken language and preparation for reading