How to Create a Simple Rhyming Book for Children

Recognizing rhymes is one of the first ways a child demonstrates phonological awareness. Phonological awareness is a very important skill for early literacy. It is a significant factor in reading acquisition and spelling ability. Parents who provide books with nursery rhymes, sing rhyming songs and play rhyming games are giving their children a lasting gift by laying a solid foundation for reading success.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Construction paper
• Hole punch
• Yarn
• Markers or crayons

1. Stack several sheets of construction paper together. Punch several holes down one side, which will become the spine of the book.

2. Tie several knots at one end of the yarn until you have a knot large enough that it will not slip through the holes. Encourage your child to lace the yarn over and under through the holes. When he is finished, knot the other end to finish binding the pages of the book.

3. Brainstorm ideas for the book with your child. Talk about words that rhyme. Select a favorite toy or pet as the base word and create rhymes around it. For example: "Adam has a red car. He likes to drive it very far."

4. Continue finding words that rhyme and create a simple story. For example: "Adam drove very far, and he found a big clear jar." "In the big clear jar, Adam will catch a star."

5. Write a rhyming couplet on every other page. Help your child illustrate the story on the blank pages in between.

6. Acknowledge your child's efforts by recognizing him on the title page. For example:
   Adam's Car
   written by: Adam
   illustrations by: Adam

7. Read your book together often. Praise your child by sharing his creation with other family members.

Resources

• Rhyming--An Important Skill for Early Literacy
• Phonemic Awareness: An Important Early Step in Learning To Read