Rhyme Peg It Task Cards are a bright and engaging way to help Early Years students develop their understanding of rhyming words, particularly those with short vowel sounds. With vibrant images and hands-on components, this resource promotes phonological awareness through visual cues and tactile learning. The fun, game-like format makes this an ideal tool for supporting early reading development in a playful and purposeful way.

These task cards are designed for flexible classroom use and work beautifully in literacy rotations, small group instruction, intervention sessions, or as an independent activity. Each card features one central focus image along with three options below. Students examine the pictures and select the one that rhymes with the focus image, using a peg (or another manipulative) to mark their answer. This multisensory approach strengthens phonemic skills while also reinforcing visual discrimination and vocabulary.

With simple instructions and minimal prep, Rhyme Peg It can be implemented with ease across a range of classroom settings. Whether you’re introducing rhyme for the first time or revisiting it as part of your phonics sequence, these cards offer a scaffolded way to practise rhyme identification and build student confidence. Perfect for Foundation and Early Years learners who are developing their listening and oral language abilities.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Develop phonological awareness through rhyme recognition
• ✅ Strengthen oral language and listening skills through spoken word play
• ✅ Enhance vocabulary development using visual prompts and discussion
• ✅ Build fine motor skills through peg and manipulative use
• ✅ Support independent learning and peer collaboration in literacy centres

What’s Included:

• 28 full-colour task cards focused on short vowel rhyming words
• Each card includes one large focus image and three smaller answer images
• Printable design ideal for individual, paired or small group use
• Flexible activity instructions to suit a range of classroom needs
• Suggestions for extension, sorting tasks, and writing connections

Materials Needed:

• Printed task cards (preferably on thick card for durability)
• Pegs to mark answers on the cards
• Optional: counters, pom poms, blocks or play dough as substitutes
• Storage container or zip-lock bag for organisation

How to Use:

• Print and cut the task cards before use for smooth classroom setup
• Invite students to choose a card and say the focus word aloud
• Ask them to examine the three images and decide which one rhymes
• Use a peg to clip the rhyming image, or place a marker on the correct choice
• Encourage students to explain their reasoning to deepen oral language and listening skills

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use as a phonemic awareness activity during literacy rotations
• 💡 Set up with self-checking stickers on the back for independent learners
• 💡 Pair students for peer support or include in a teacher-led small group
• 💡 Incorporate into Early Years intervention or speech and language support

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Model a few examples aloud first, highlighting rhyming sounds clearly
• 💛 Store cards on a ring for easy access and to prevent lost pieces
• 💛 Use the cards as a sorting challenge; group cards with the same rhyme pattern together
• 💛 Extend the activity by having students draw or write an additional rhyming word

Rhyme Peg It Task Cards turn rhyme recognition into a meaningful, multisensory experience that supports foundational literacy development. With minimal prep and maximum impact, this resource helps your students develop essential phonemic awareness in an active and joyful way.