Rhyming is one of the most important pre-reading skills a child can attain. A child’s ability to rhyme is often directly related to their reading readiness. One great way to introduce rhyming to pre or early readers is through books. Reading books with an intriguing narrative and rhyming diction can expose children to this skill. Beyond this, rhyming books are often enjoyable simply because they work to manipulate language in a way that is unique to their mission. These books often contain a cadence of their own, which gives them a lyrical quality, as well. Here are three of my favorite books that teach rhyming:
Rhymoceros – Janik Coat
This book is valuable because it takes on unique and slightly more complicated rhymes. It is a great first rhyming book. I would suggest reading through the pages in order to familiarize the child with the idea of rhyming and taking on a format like this: “sad…glad…they both have ‘ad’!”
This book uses a repetitive rhyme and then switches the rhyme at the end for a humorous tone. Rely on the cadence of the narrative to read it smoothly like a poem.
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There’s a Bear on My Chair – Ross Collins
This book uses a repetitive rhyme and then switches the rhyme at the end for a humorous tone. Rely on the cadence of the narrative to read it smoothly like a poem.
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Little Blue Truck – by Alice Schertle (Author), Jill McElmurry (Illustrator)
This is a plot-driven story that includes rhyming words. If you are using this book to promote an awareness of rhyming, be sure to pause after each page and ask if the child recognized any rhyming pairs.
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Big Red Barn –
by Margaret Wise Brown (Author), Felicia Bond (Illustrator)
The rhyming in this book works to keep the book lyrical and soothing. Because it has detailed illustrations and descriptive diction, the book isn’t typically thought about as a rhyming book. Because of this, when you are using it for rhyming practice, repeat the words that rhyme and have the child say them with you. Again, you can use the format of saying the two words and repeating their matching sounds.
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