Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Rhyme Time Match Up: Free Printable Game for Year 1
- ForYear 1
- StageKey Stage 1
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Rhyme Time Match Up is a free printable game for Year 1 (ages 5 to 6). Children join the words that rhyme. They listen for the ending sound, say the words aloud and draw a line to link each match. It needs only a pencil, and page 2 gives the grown-up notes, help ideas and a stretch task.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children look at the words on page 1 and join the ones that rhyme. The grown-up says each word aloud, and the child listens for the one that sounds the same at the end. Then they draw a line to link the pair. It is a quiet, hands on game that trains the ear before the eye.
How the game builds sound awareness
Listen first
Children hear the words before they decide. This keeps the focus on sounds, not on how a word looks on the page.
Spot the match
Rhyming words share the same ending sound. Children learn to ignore the start of a word and tune in to the end.
Say it aloud
Speaking each word helps children feel the sounds in their mouths. Saying words out loud makes the matching sounds easier to notice.
Link and check
Drawing a line gives a clear answer on the page. Talking about each choice lets the grown-up hear how the child is thinking.
Why rhyme matters in Year 1
Rhyming words end with the same sound. The words do not have to be spelled the same way, and the first sound can be different. Noticing this is part of phonological awareness, which means hearing and playing with the sounds inside spoken words. Many children first meet rhyme through nursery rhymes, songs and picture books.
In Year 1, children learn to read and spell by linking sounds to letters. A child who can hear that two words share an ending is better placed to notice patterns in print. Rhyme games are short and playful, so they fit easily into a busy day. They also help children enjoy language, which makes reading feel like fun.
Skills and curriculum link
- Spotting rhyme
- Careful listening
- Early reading
- Ending sounds
- Speaking aloud
- Pencil control
Helpful ideas for rhyme
- Rhyme is about soundTwo words rhyme when their endings sound the same. Listen with your ears, not your eyes.
- The start can changeRhyming words can begin with different sounds. It is the end part that matches.
- Spelling can differSome rhyming words are spelled in different ways. Say them aloud to check.
- Slow downSay each word slowly and stretch the end. This makes the matching sound easier to hear.
Key words
- RhymeWords that sound the same at the end.
- SoundWhat you hear when a word is spoken.
- EndingThe last part of a word.
- MatchTwo things that go together.
- ListenUse your ears carefully to hear a sound.
- SyllableA beat in a word. You can clap each beat.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2 for the grown-up.
- Say each word aloud and ask your child to find the one that sounds the same at the end.
- Work through the activity together the first time. Talk about each choice.
- Check together using the notes on page 2. Ask, "How did you know?"
- Come back to it another day. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Read both words aloud and clap the ending sound. Say the words slowly, one at a time, and stretch out the end. Let your child say them back. Start with the pairs that feel easiest, then return to the trickier ones later.
To stretch confident children
Ask your child to think of a third rhyming word for each pair. They can say it aloud or write it beside the pair. Silly made up words count too, as long as the ending sounds the same.
Make it a game
Make up a silly rhyming sentence from one pair. Take turns adding a line. The sillier the better. Say it aloud together, then see if anyone can think of another sentence using a different pair.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child joins words because they start with the same sound.
Try thisSay both words slowly and listen to the end part. Explain that the start can change, but the ending stays the same.
Watch forA child joins words because they look alike on the page.
Try thisCover the letters and say the words aloud. Listen rather than look, because some rhyming words are spelled differently.
Watch forA child cannot hear which words match.
Try thisSay each word aloud and stretch the end. Then ask which two word endings sound the same. Repeat the words as many times as needed.
Talk about it
- What do you hear at the end of this word?
- Which two words sound the same at the end?
- How did you know they rhyme?
- Can you think of another word that sounds like this one?
- Which pair was your favourite, and why?
- Can you make a silly sentence with a rhyming pair?
Take it off the page
Rhyme walk
Go for a walk and look for things you can name. For each one, try to think of a word that rhymes with it. Say them aloud as you go.
Rhyme songs
Sing a favourite nursery rhyme together. Pause before a rhyming word and let your child fill it in.
Rhyme pairs at home
Write words on small slips of paper and mix them up. Take turns turning two over and saying whether they rhyme.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first go and let them lead. Keep it relaxed and short. If they get stuck, say the words aloud together and clap the ending. Praise careful listening, not just correct matches.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task or a table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 gives support and stretch ideas, so it suits mixed ability groups. It also works as a supply cover task.
Home educators
Print it as part of a wider English plan alongside books, songs and everyday talk. Reprint it for brothers and sisters, or return to it weeks later as a quick refresher. Keep sessions short and playful.
Where rhyme fits in learning to read
Before this sheet, children enjoy songs, nursery rhymes and stories. They begin to notice that some words sound alike. They may join in with rhyming lines in familiar books without being asked.
After this, children can move on to playing with other sounds in words, such as the first sound or the sounds in the middle. Rhyme also supports spelling patterns, as children notice that words with matching endings often share letters too.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Rhyme Time Match Up for?
It is written for Year 1 (ages 5 to 6), in Key Stage 1. Children in Reception or Year 2 may also enjoy it, depending on how confident they are with listening for sounds.
- What will children practise?
Children practise hearing and spotting rhyming words. This builds the sound awareness they need for reading and spelling. They also practise careful listening, reading and speaking aloud.
- How do I use it?
Say each word aloud and ask your child to find the one that sounds the same at the end. Do the first go together, talk about each choice, then let your child lead.
- What if it feels too hard?
Read both words aloud and clap the ending sound. Say the words slowly and stretch the end. Start with the easier matches and come back to the others another day.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or a quick refresher a few weeks later.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and page 2 offers support and stretch ideas.
- Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. You only need a pencil, so it is a simple screen free activity for home or school.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.