Many popular children's songs include rhyming lyrics, so gather a variety of CDs with kids' songs to teach children about rhymes. Using music is an effective teaching method because it will keep children's attention and they'll enjoy the lessons. Teach children songs, such as "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" or "I'm a Little Teapot." Once children are familiar with the songs, ask children to tell you what words in the song rhyme. For instance, after you sing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," ask children what word in the song sounds the same as "star."
Make use of items in your classroom to make rhyming concepts more concrete. Choose one rhyming sound, such "-at." Fill a box with items, some of which are in this rhyming family and some that aren't. For instance, place a stuffed cat, a place mat and a picture of a rat in the box along with some other non-rhyming items, such as stuffed animals, a book and a kitchen utensil. Tell children which sound you're looking for, then pull out each item and ask children to decide whether it rhymes with the sound.
Even when you're not engaged in a scheduled rhyming activity, incorporating rhymes into your conversation can make preschoolers aware of how rhyming works. When you're taking a walk, point to a tree and ask children to name words that rhyme with "tree." As you say hello to students in the morning, add a rhyming word to each child's name. For instance, say "Good morning, Bella Pella!" These rhyming words don't have to be real words; made-up words will still help preschoolers understand the concept of rhyming.
Since rhyming is all about letter sounds, use these lessons as an opportunity to teach children about identifying and printing letters as well. On a large board, demonstrate how to write some common rhyming sounds, such as "_ad." Using a pencil or dry erase marker, write in letters that make the rhyming sound a word. For instance, write in a "b" to make the word into "bad" or "gl" to make it into "glad." Give children practice writing by passing out tracing sheets with groups of rhyming words for children to trace.