 Read aloud

    books with rhymes to students.  Talk about the rhymes that are heard in the story.  When rereading the story, pause to allow the students to complete the rhyme. 

 Read aloud

    books with alliteration.  Have the children try to produce their own alliterations.

 Word Sorts:

Have ready an assortment of words on cards.  Have students work in small groups to sort the words according to word patterns.  Have students start with an open sort, allowing each group to determine which word patterns they want to use.  Then, have them sort given a set of guidelines, such as open syllables or closed syllables. 

Other possible sorts include: by short or long vowels, by digraphs, clusters, rhyming words or blends.  Once students have sorted the cards, have them discuss the sorts and make observations about the sorts.  If this is a center activity,  the students  will write the words from their sort in a notebook and take them to the reading group for further discussion. 

Extensions:  allow students to cut words out of newspapers or magazines to add to their sorts, gluing them onto construction paper.