March 2006
Literacy Tutoring Tip:
Change a Rhyme Game
The following game is great fun for a child who needs practice with “phonemic awareness” (the ability to hear, distinguish and manipulate the sounds in words—an essential skill before being able to spell).
Take a well-known nursery rhyme, such as Humpty Dumpty, and change some or all of the words. Try to keep the same rhythm (e.g. Humpty Dumpty stood on a bear).
Variations: For more less experienced readers, take them through a rhyme step by step, and give suggestions. Let more experienced readers read a nursery rhyme and make changes themselves. Help them turn their new rhymes into an illustrated book!
