Rhyming & Early Literacy
Did you know or remember the rhyme? See the bottom of this page for the full version.
Rhymers Will Be Readers
Research in literacy and child development has found that if children know 8 nursery rhymes by heart by the time they are 4 years old, they are usually among the best readers by the time they are 8 years old.
Positive Impact
- Skills - Using movement while rhyming can develop a child's motor skills and teach how to follow directions or complete tasks like brushing teeth.
- Vocabulary - Rhymes can introduce a child to words they may not hear every day.
- Hearing - Often rhymes are repeated over and over again. This helps children develop hearing memory, which will help them learn a language and learn in school.
- Language - rhymes teach that words are made up of a series of sound put together.
- Math - there are many counting rhymes that help children learn numbers.
- Reading - rhymes help children develop pictures in their heads through word pictures which will help with reading comprehension.
- Play - fun and play are critical to childrens' learning. Rhythm and rhyme encourage children to enjoy music.
See our Resources for ideas on fun ways to teach and learn.
Jack and Jill
Jack and Jill went up the hill,
To fetch a pail of water;
Jack fell down and broke his crown,
And Jill came tumbling after.
Up Jack got and home did trot,
As fast as he could caper;
Went to bed to mend his head,
With vinegar and brown paper.
