Explain rhyme scheme to the students and how to denote it on paper (abab cdcd, etc.). Divide the students into groups. Give each group a copy of a poem and have them write the rhyme scheme at the ends of the lines. Go over the rhyme scheme as a class to make sure all the students understand how to show it. Give the students a second poem and have them write the rhyme scheme individually. This will help reinforce rhyme scheme in their minds and make sure they can identify it on their own.
Give the students copies of a poem. Assign each rhyme to a different student. For example, one student is assigned all the “a” rhymes and another the “b” rhymes. Have the students read their rhyme lines out loud in order. The students will have to pay attention to the lines and the rhyme scheme in order to read their lines at the right time. The activity will also help the other students pay attention to the rhyme scheme. They will associate a certain student's voice with a certain rhyme.
Copy a short poem onto butcher paper in large print. Cut out each line and tape the poem to the wall in order. Divide the chalk board into categories for each rhyme in the poem. One section is for “a” rhymes, one is for “b” rhymes and so on. Have the students match each line of the poem in the proper category by moving the cut out lines onto the chalk board. When they're finished, go over the lines of the poem as a class to make sure the categories are correct.
Students may be more excited about studying rhyme scheme if they know they can relate it to their every day lives. Have the students bring in copies of the lyrics of a favorite song. After explaining rhyme scheme, tell the students to identify the rhyme scheme of their favorite songs. Then have each student go over the rhyme scheme in his or her song with the rest of the class. Ask each student to explain what the rhyme scheme adds to the song.