Begin by introducing a word to be used in the rhyming list, saying it aloud and writing it on a chalkboard or dry-erase board. To begin the exercise, choose a word that is simple and rhymes with many other words. For example, write the word "cat" on the board. Ask each student to name a word that rhymes with cat, such as "hat," "bat" and so on. When a student volunteers a word that does not quite rhyme with the initial word, write this incorrect answer on a different part of the board. At the end of the exercise, explain why those answers are incorrect.
Assemble a collection of pairs of rhyming objects, such as a bat and a hat, a ball and a shawl, beans and jeans, and so on. Place one object from each pair in a large basket and the other object from each pair in another large basket. Arrange the baskets so that one is on each side of the classroom. Ask each student to pick an object from one basket and then choose its rhyming counterpart from the other basket.
Begin the activity by reading from a book that contains rhymes, such as a book of songs, poems or nursery rhymes, or a book by Dr. Seuss. In a fun twist to keep the students engaged, replace certain rhyming words with other words that do not belong. For example, say, "Jack and Jill went up the river." Ask the students to identify the wrong word and have them suggest words to replace the incorrect word.
Have the students sit in a circle or semicircle. Begin the activity by stating a word to be used in the rhyming exercise. For example, say the word "old." Go around the circle of students and have each child, in turn, say a word that rhymes with the initial word. In this example, words such as "mold" or "cold" are appropriate answers. If a student cannot think of a rhyming word when it is his turn, ask the rest of the members of the class if they can come up with one. If they cannot, start over with a new word and continue the activity.