Understanding Rhyming Words
Rhyming words have the same ending sound. The part we listen for is the vowel sound and the sounds that come after it (for example, the sound in -at in “cat”).
- cat, hat, bat — all end with the /at/ sound.
- dog, frog, log — all end with the /og/ sound.
- sun, fun, run — all end with the /un/ sound.
Say the words out loud and stretch the ending. If the endings sound the same, the words rhyme.
Hearing and Saying Rhymes
We can find rhymes by listening closely. Clap, tap, or snap on the ending sound to feel the rhyme in each word.
- Say: tree, bee, knee. Clap on the ending /ee/ sound.
- Say: home, foam, roam. Tap on the /ome/ sound.
- Not a rhyme: cat and can. The endings /at/ and /an/ are different.
Listen for the vowel sound and the sounds after it. The beginning sound can change, and the words can still rhyme.
Spelling Patterns and Rhymes
Many rhymes share the same spelling pattern (like -ake or -ain). Some words rhyme even with different spellings because the ending sounds match.
- Same pattern: cake, bake, lake (pattern -ake).
- Same pattern: rain, train, brain (pattern -ain).
- Different spellings, same rhyme: light and kite (/ite/ sound), blue and chew (/oo/ sound).
Spelling can help, but your ears are the best tool. If the endings sound the same, the words rhyme—even if the letters look different.
Finding Rhymes in Sentences and Poems
Rhyming words often appear at the ends of lines in poems, songs, and chants. Spotting them helps us read with rhythm and expression.
- “The cat sat on the mat, then ran to get his hat.” (mat/hat rhyme)
- “I see a bright light, shining in the night so bright.” (light/bright rhyme)
- “We took a little walk, and had a friendly talk.” (walk/talk rhyme)
When reading, pause slightly at the end of a line. Listen for words that match in sound—they usually make the rhyme.
Near Rhymes and Not Rhymes
Some words sound almost the same but do not rhyme. These are near rhymes. True rhymes share the same ending sound.
- True rhymes: book/cook, bear/chair, room/broom.
- Near or not rhymes: cat/catch (different endings), map/mop (different vowel sounds).
- Check by saying each pair slowly: if the last part matches exactly, it’s a rhyme.
If you are unsure, try adding another word you know rhymes (like “bat”). Compare: cat–bat (rhyme) and catch–bat (not rhyme).
Sorting and Matching Rhymes
We can sort and match words by their rhyming endings. Grouping words by sound helps us read and spell more confidently.
- Sort into groups:
- -at: cat, hat, bat
- -og: dog, frog, log
- -ake: cake, lake, rake
- Match the rhyme: pen → hen; box → fox; star → car.
- Picture match: picture of a bee with the word tree (they rhyme).
Listen first, then check the ending letters. Use what you hear to sort quickly, and the spelling to confirm your choice.