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Nursery rhymes prepare children to read
Nursery rhymes bring a smile to many a child’s face but they
also help get them ready to read.
Most parents have recited a nursery rhyme to their children, played
“Itsy-Bitsy Spider” or sung “If You’re Happy and You Know it.” What
many don’t know is that they are actually preparing them to read.
Nursery rhymes provide familiar songs and poems, strengthening their
ability to hear the differences and similarities in the sounds of
language. This is an absolute essential skill when they begin to
connect sounds with letters (phonics). Knowing that bag rhymes with
sag, but not with hat, means that the child can discern the different
sounds.
Nursery rhymes are particularly effective in learning to read because
they are so memorable. Research has found that children who enter
kindergarten well acquainted with nursery rhymes often have an easier
time learning to read. Many experts argue this is because rhyming helps
them discover many common word patterns. The more the child is versed
with these patterns in oral language, the easier time they will have
recognizing them when they see them in print.
Using rhymes to further strengthen your child’s language and reading
skills can be a lot of fun for both of you. Besides nursery rhymes look
for high-quality rhyming books that will combine laughter with language
play. Storybooks such the classic The Cat in the Hat, by Dr. Seuss is a
great example of this.
Another way to encourage wordplay by creating your own poems, rhymes,
or songs. You might start with “What rhymes with . . . ?” Make up silly
rhymes or try working together to tell a silly story. Try making your
own rhyming book.
By taking time to play with your children through the use of rhyming
not only will they benefit by learning to read but they also get the
job of spending time with you.
