Rhyming Basket Match Game
Fill a basket with pairs of rhyming objects — sock and rock, car and star cutout — and match them while chanting the rhymes together.
What You'll Need
- 15 pairs of small rhyming objects or pictures (sock/rock, car/star, cat/hat, bug/mug, spoon/moon)
- 2Basket or bowl
What You'll Need
5 pairs of rhyming objects or pictures: sock/rock, toy car/star cutout, toy cat/hat, toy bug/mug, spoon/moon cutout
A basket or bowl
How to Play
Gather 5 pairs of rhyming objects or pictures and place them in a basket.
Pull out one item: "Sock! What rhymes with sock?"
Search together for the match: "Rock! Sock and rock RHYME!"
Chant the pair, emphasizing the ending sound: "-ock, -ock, -ock!"
Continue finding all rhyming pairs.
Hold up each matched pair and chant the rhyme together.
Try making silly nonsense rhymes: "Sock, rock, bock, dock, fock!"
See if your child can think of more real words that rhyme with each pair.
Tips
Rhyming is one of the strongest predictors of reading success. Children who can recognize and produce rhymes have an easier time learning to decode words later. This game makes that foundational skill tangible and fun.
Real objects are more engaging than flashcards for this age. A child holding a real sock and a real rock makes a stronger memory connection than looking at pictures.
Nonsense words are not just funny — they're actually a sign of phonological sophistication. When a child invents "bock" to rhyme with "sock," they understand the sound pattern.
If you can't find real objects, draw simple pictures on index cards. The matching/pairing format works the same way.
Start with 3 pairs for younger children and work up to 5-6 pairs as they master the concept.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 15 min, with 10 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: 5 pairs of small rhyming objects or pictures (sock/rock, car/star, cat/hat, bug/mug, spoon/moon), basket or bowl.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 2-4 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
Ratings & Reviews
Sign in to leave a rating or review.
Add to Your Weekly Plan
Schedule this activity into your family's week. It takes about 15 min.
Free account required to save plans
Explore More
Love this activity?
Create a free account and add it to your weekly planner. Discover hundreds more activities matched to your child's age.