Rhyming Jump Game

A clear space for safe jumping

Just your voice — no materials needed

Clear a jumping space. Stand facing each other.

Explain: "Two words. If they RHYME, JUMP! If not, stand like a statue."

Start easy: "Cat... hat!" (Jump!) "Cat... dog!" (Statue!)

Go slowly. Confirm each: "Cat and hat rhyme — they both end in -at!"

Speed up as they learn. Mix rhyming and non-rhyming pairs.

Try trickier pairs: "Bear... chair!" "Moon... soon!" "Fish... book!"

Add a freeze twist and silly pairs: "Poo... shoe!" (Guaranteed giggles.)

Switch roles. Jump at the wrong time so they catch you.

Combining movement with learning is one of the most effective teaching strategies for preschoolers. The physical jump creates a strong memory association with the rhyming concept — their body remembers as much as their brain.

If your child jumps at the wrong time, don't just say "no." Say the words again slowly: "Fish... book. Fissssh. Booook. Do they sound the same at the end?" Help them hear the difference.

Rhyming is one of the strongest predictors of future reading success. This game practices it in a way that feels nothing like a lesson.

Once they master identifying rhymes, challenge them to PRODUCE rhymes: "I say 'cat,' you say something that rhymes!" This is harder and represents the next developmental step.