Teaching with Rhythm and Rhyme

From a very early age, children are attracted to rhythm and rhyme. They clap their hands, stomp their feet, and practice growing vocabulary skills by making up their own rhymes. This natural interest can provide excellent opportunities for learning and fun. Teaching preschoolers and early elementary school-age children everything from art appreciation to language skills can be facilitated by incorporating rhythm and rhyme effectively. This guide includes activities and ideas useful for teachers, librarians, caregivers, and parents. Features include activities based on Mother Goose rhymes and chapters focusing on the use of rhythm and rhyme in movement activities; ABCs, signals and sign language; singing; music; poetry; color and art; play; and the seasons. Activities include illustrations, song lyrics, and the words to rhymes and songs both famous and obscure. Ideas are complemented by anecdotes and stories illustrating their successful use. Appendices include ideas for snacks, as well as resources and addresses to help with creating the best rhythm and rhyme activities for children.