A Beginner’s Guide to Rymem Games�

One who’s new to the idea of games based on rhyming might think it’s just a casual activity to kill time. Inspirational through expression seems out of context, right? But they might as well inspire you, if you’ve been into a rymem game before and i’m guessing you’re a little bit curious to know what you missed out on. Rhyme or SLIME? It’s way more than just fun; it’s exercise for your brain and promotes phonological awareness.

It’s easy to see how children might find it amusing to create absurd-sounding words with the use of rhymes. Initially, this blog will touch on the idea of using words that rhyme with each other as a form of play in order to learn, but also explain the importance of these for the growth of children. What’s more, have you ever thought about game with rhymes? Even if you didn’t, it’s ok because in this article we will focus on the stages of phonological awareness and reminisce the childhood rhymes we loved when we are preschoolers and try to see how can we use them in a more modern way on children. So buckle up and let’s go for some super ridiculous rhymning games!

Rhyme or SLIME – Rhymin’ Games!

In my view, rhyming games can be extremely beneficial for children’s growth in that they promote creativity and improve language. To begin with, one would assume that rhyming games are only for toddlers and preschoolers. What such people do not understand is the fact that the fun derived out of rhymes knows no age boundaries. Be it in the form of songs, poems or insults, such games are guaranteed to be fun. 

Now let’s picture ourselves in a game called “Rhyme or SLIME”. In this variation, one may recite a rhyme or word that has the same sound and wait for the rest to try and not to throw imaginary slime at them. If they manage to do that, they will take their turn next. That sounds fun, right? What adds even more fun to this game is the foolishness in the act which is remarkable.

These types of games are enjoyable and, more importantly, they aid in the development of phonological awareness, which is a vital skill needed to read and write. When children bang on drums or chant catchy songs and compositions, they are helping themselves to become sound-pattern adept within one or more words—for that is what “rhymes” entails which is foundational in their literacy development as they go up the latter further. 

And let’s not forget the social facet of laughing together, forming ties through being playful with words and rhymes as the game gets funnier and funnier: what an opportunity for everyone! They foster camaraderie as much as they facilitate learning through play—and that makes every party a great party!

The levels of Phonological awareness

phonological awareness is a needed competence in early reading skills It consists of the abilities to comprehend that language is made up of sounds, and also to use those sounds. Being aware of these stages will assist you in helping children that may have difficulties in playing rhyming games. 

The first developmental stage deals with word awareness, in which they start hearing and identifying single words in sentences. They expand the range of sounds they wish to touch upon as they start to understand that words are the building blocks that make up sentences. 

Then comes the breakdown of words into syllables which is the next phonetic stage where the children take apart a word beginning with the syllable: ba—before putting them together through ‘claps’. So, in the instance of ‘banana’, it means compile them as Introduced in clap—clap—clap. This helps them in understanding the internal segments of words so they can conquer larger more sophisticated once.

The recognition of rhyme comes after the realisation that words can have similar sounds at their endings. This step is critical in the acquisition of mother tongue as it relates to nursery rhymes and other playful verbal activities that assist with linguistic and phonetic development as well as to more complex ideas such as the blending of onsets and rime, which assists in deepening phonological knowledge. 

Childhood Rhymes

For many of us as we get older, childhood rhymes are some of the mystical words that often linger in the brain. These are the ones which evoke memories of joyful moments of playing, laughter and sunny afternoons with friends. It is common to find that these rhymes and poems have a sprinkle of rhythm and hence are easy to recite. Children enjoy repeating these over and over. 

There are many such as: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star,” “Ring a Ring O’ Roses”. These and many others enhanced language development at an early stage. Children play with the rhythm and sounds as they hover from one activity to the other. It’s a fun way of acquiring knowledge without even knowing it! These simple jingles create a culture of sharing across different generations as parents pass them on to their children. 

Each community has a unique set of rhymes which always carry their history and the essence of their people. Sometimes they portray local heritage or unique culture that has some wisdom hidden in such innocence. Hearing these words takes us back in time when such short phrases of fun and laughter were found in every silly rhyme.

The childhood rhymes caught my interest not just because of their message but how they activate imagination. They promote creativity which motivates children to create new versions or even completely new ones, which makes rhyme a limitless fun that is yet to be explored.

Can’t Rhyme at Almost 8

One could be surprised to learn that an almost 8-years old can’t rhyme. Kids this age usually begin to succeed at phonological awareness which is engaging in words and playing with funny sounds, however, some children might remain behind. 

This situation may cause some anxiety for parents or caretakers. However, it is worth acknowledging that children evolve differently one hard struggle at a time. Some will run with the words, some won’t get the message and work hard on it until they understand it. 

Being playful and funny when introducing a language would certainly help close this gap. Reading jovial books with rhyming words is one such way. Also, through singing while doing it, many more rhyme patterns can be engraved without force.

You should also consider adding simple games to everyday tasks. Incorporating concepts that revolve around day-to-day items or objects that your child may find interesting would definitely help in making learning less daunting. I am sure with time and creative strategies they would amaze you by fitting in rather well before the expected time. 

Sing Playground Rhymes From Your Childhood

Did you ever love going higher on the swings while singing rhymes? Those simple melodies or verses helped you play with friends and reminisce life. Remember that every rhyme had its rhythm, which made it easier to sing along as you played tag or hopscotch. In this context, the famous “Ring a ring o’ roses” is one lore that is still nostalgic to some kids today. 

Students would join hands in a circular formation and start dancing while simultaneously staggering until they would dramatically collapse. What makes these rhymes so appealing is the fact that they help close literally everyone in for laughter and enjoyment.

It is also said that children would join arms and create an arch to enable passing in a game where the song ‘London Bridge is Falling Down’ is chanted. It enhanced collaboration and planning. This was meaningful development even away from the play area.

These well-known songs performed even more than as a source of amusement. They grew the imagination and helped with language. Likewise, there is a chance for parents to pass on such songs to their children as they are still relevant.

Here’s A Game That Works – and Will Have You in Stitches

Want a quirky approach to add some rhyming into your life? I have a game just for that – wait for it – it’s as funny as it can get. But be warned, it’s highly addictive. 

Let us start off with some friends or family sitting in a circle Let’s pretend someone says the word ‘cat’ and now everyone has to start shouting the ‘cat’ to come up with rhymes. They can yell ‘mat,’ ‘bat,’ and many more.

When the pace picks up and rounds start to progress, add even more stimulus to the game. This will lead people to Hengest even more silly rules like making a laugh track in between waiting for someone to shout their next rhyme.

What happens if someone has no idea? They don’t have to panic! They simply need to do a silly dance until an idea pops into their heads. It improves the cloud while promoting creativity in stressful conditions.

It’s also fun as it doesn’t involve only singing in rhymes, but also helps in building self-confidence and improving reflexes. Wherever you are; be it your own house, in a vacation, or even while spending time with friends during playdates, this is one activity everyone can jump in without any prior training.

So gather your crew and give it a try—you may be in the middle of creating rhymes long after the game is done!