Domain: NC Foundations for Early Learning: Language Development and Communication (LDC)

Subdomain: Foundations for Reading

Goal: Children develop phonological awareness.

Skill Progression: Develop phonological awareness

Age: 33-36 Months

Click here to go to all skills for ages 33-36 Months.

Play a rhyming game during playtime.

During a play activity, the adult begins a rhyming game. For example, when playing with cars, the adult might say, “Here’s my car. It’s going far. Car, far, they rhyme! What else sounds like car?” Once the child gets the idea, pick other items to rhyme (e.g., doll, fall, call, ball, etc.)

The child takes turns thinking of words (and nonsense words) that rhyme.

The child at this level loves to sing songs and recite rhymes. Parents can support this type of activity by joining the child in singing and dramatic play or by playing music to sing to in the car. The local library will also have songbooks and CDs that can expand the child’s and adult’s repertoire. Encourage parents to share their own favorite songs from childhood, as well as find new ones for both of them to learn together.