Rhyming activity · Free printable

Rhyming picture pairs

Rhyming is a listening game. Two words rhyme when their endings sound alike, even when their meanings are very different. A cat can rhyme with a hat; a dog can rhyme with a log. Name the pictures together before playing so the task is hearing the words, rather than guessing which label an unfamiliar drawing represents.

Print or play ↗See the worksheet

Created by RobPublished 8 October 20263–4 / 4–5 years, flexibly

Take a little peek8 items · Original illustrations

cat

hat

dog

log

sun

bun

Picture-play preview shown. The PDF contains the rhyming activity layout.

Inside the printable

First worksheet in the Rhyming picture pairs printable pack

First page shown. The download includes the complete activity and grown-up guidance.

What we’re exploring

Notice shared endings in spoken words and find a rhyming partner from a small choice.

A little way to play

Start with cat and hat. Say each word naturally, then repeat the shared ending without turning the activity into a spelling lesson.
Offer two possible partners for a named picture. Say all three labels aloud and invite your child to point to the words that sound alike at the end.
Use the printed matching page for the four pairs. An adult reads the labels; draw a joining line or simply point to each partner.
Mix the cards and take turns making a pair. If you choose a silly non-match, listen again together and explain what you notice.

Make it easier

Show only one complete pair and enjoy saying the words in a short sentence. Your child can repeat, point or listen. Add a second pair once the first feels familiar.

Try a little more

Think of another spoken rhyme such as mat for cat. Invent a funny sentence with the pair. A made-up word can demonstrate hearing a rhyme, but explain clearly when it is not an ordinary word.

For the grown-up

These are rhyme activities, not instructions to guess written words from pictures. Regional accents can affect some rhymes. The four selected pairs are intended to rhyme in common UK and US pronunciations; discuss differences if your pronunciation varies.

Answers & naming help

Cat pairs with hat; dog with log; sun with bun; pig with wig. Judge the ending sound after naming each picture. Similar meaning or matching picture colour does not establish a rhyme.

cat · hat · dog · log · sun · bun · pig · wig

How do I print this?

Choose your vocabulary and paper size, then download the PDF. Print at actual size or 100%. Use the low-ink option for outline activities; colour-name cards still need their colour to teach the word. Cut-and-stack mini-books are available in the flashcard maker.

Helpful parent guides

Keep the discoveries going.

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