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Sound and Rhyme Awareness
With your support, toddlers are developing their ability to notice different sounds in words
At A Glance
Songs, silly sentences, and rhymes are more than just fun for toddlers to listen to. They are also important for their early literacy development! We can support children’s sound and rhyme awareness by talking about the sounds we hear in words, drawing attention to rhyming words in songs and stories, and prompting children to repeat rhyming pairs.
What It Looks Like
A quick glance at ways you can support toddlers' sound and rhyme awareness
Say Rhythmic Text Together
When reading, say a line and then ask children to join you as you read or repeat words after you. Notice how this educator encourages children to say the words too.
Encourage Fun Listening
Sing songs that include rhyming pairs and that encourage children to follow along to the rhythm. Note the children’s interest and engagement as they listen and move to the repetitive and rhyming song.
Focus on Rhyme
Reading rhyming books offers children opportunities to notice rhyming words. Emphasize rhyming pairs through exaggeration and repetition like this educator does.
SUPPORTING SOUND AND RHYME AWARENESS SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS
Whose Toes are Those?
Written by Jabari Asim and illustrated by LeUyen Pham, this book uses simple repeating rhymes to talk about a child and their wiggly toes.
SUPPORTING SOUND AND RHYME AWARENESS SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS
Orange Pear Apple Bear
Written and illustrated by Emily Gravett, this story features just five words and invites readers to join in by rhyming them in different ways.
SUPPORTING SOUND AND RHYME AWARENESS SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Written by Bill Martin Jr. and illustrated by Eric Carle, this story shows different animals spotting each other and repeats the rhyming words “me” and “see.”
Activity Cards for Toddler Classrooms
Part of the STREAMin3 curriculum, these activity cards provide simple and fun ways to support children's sound and rhyme awareness skills
Rhyming with Books
Draw children’s attention to the ending sounds of the rhymes as you read.
Get Our Resource Guide
Includes questions and activities to guide your use of the videos, book suggestions, and activity cards featured for each of the Core Skills
