Memory Game: CVC Rhyming Words

Rhyming is such an important skill for kids to learn in literacy—and the best part? It can be taught through play! In my classroom, one of the most-loved activities for practicing rhyming is this simple (and super fun) rhyming game. Not only does it help kids recognize rhyming words, but it also builds their confidence as they start reading CVC words (like cat, hat, and mat).

Now, I know what you might be thinking—“Will my child just look at the pictures and guess?” Sure, that might happen sometimes. But they’re also being exposed to how the words are written, which is a huge win for early readers.

The best part? This resource is as easy for you as a parent as it is fun for for your kids. All you need to do is print it, cut it out, and laminate it if you want it to last longer. Pro tip: Print it on cardstock or back it with coloured paper so the pictures and words don’t show through!

Did I mention this is a FREE resource?! :)

Here’s how to play the classic memory game:

1️⃣ Lay the cards face down in a grid.
2️⃣ Take turns flipping two cards at a time.
3️⃣ If they rhyme, keep the pair! If not, flip them back over.
4️⃣ Keep going until all the matches are found.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! You can easily switch it up:
✨ Hide the cards around the house for a rhyming treasure hunt.
✨ Bury them in a sensory bin filled with rice, sand, or beans for a hands-on activity.
✨ Print the black-and-white version and let your child colour in the pictures to make it their own.

There are endless ways to practice rhyming and CVC words with these cards, and they’ve been a favourite in my classroom for years. I just know your family will love them too!

Click below to download your FREE copy and start playing today.