5.4 Demonstrate research-based instructional practices for developing students' phonological awareness.
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Rhyming Round Up! Rhyming songs, games, and activities help to develop a student's phonological awareness. These activities afford them the opportunity to start thinking about segmenting words and phonemes which will ultimately help become better readers. Children begin rhyming and speaking in a sing-songy tone at a very young age. By the time students are in second grade, this is not as often a part of their routine, so it is up to educators to incorporate it into their classroom.
My students are quite a competitive bunch. They love to be the "winner," no matter the prize. They will work just as hard for a verbal praise as they will for treats and good grades. However, they are very kind and supportive of one another. I have even seen students intentionally miss a question to let their friend win. When I discovered this about my students, I knew that this activity would be a favorite in the classroom. It is called Rhyming Round Up! At the start of the game, each student is given a small white board and a dry erase marker. The students mingle around the classroom saying nonsense rhyming words, and after a while, I call out a word. Each student is given twenty seconds to come up with a word that rhymes with the one I called out. When I shout "Draw!," the students reveal their boards and shout out their answer as quickly as they can. If their answer does not rhyme, their word is crossed out, and they are out for the round. If all of the words rhyme, the person with the board I see last is out. The students love this activity! I call them my little "cowboys and cowgirls." I have also modified this game to practice the use of blends, digraphs, and contractions. Every group of students is different. For some, this game might cause controversy or misplaced anger. My students see it for what it is; a game that makes learning rhyming words exciting and engaging. I will absolutely be incorporating this game into my future classroom. It is hands-on, interactive, and elevates my students phonological awareness. |