Reading/Language Arts
Grade 2
Rhythm/Rhyme/Alliteration
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Dear Parent or Guardian:
Your child is currently learning to identify the use of rhythm,
rhyme, and alliteration in poetry. Here is your chance to help your
child practice this important skill.
In this PAL Packet you will find a short activity for you and your
child to do. Please do the activity and The Back Page this evening.
Then sign your name on The Back Page and have your child return it
tomorrow.
Remember, parents are a child’s first teacher. Thank you for your
time and energy in making learning fun and exciting for your child.
Sincerely,
__________________________
Your child’s teacher
Grade 2 – Rhythm/Rhyme/Alliteration
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
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Last printed 9/2/04
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POETRY: RHYTHM, RHYME, AND ALLITERATION
Parent Pointer —
One of the most important aspects of poetry is how it is read. Poetry
is written to be heard. It needs to be read so that the reader hears
the sounds of the words in his or her mind. The meaning of a poem is
conveyed through sounds as well as words. The elements of a poem
that are related to sound are rhyme, rhythm, and alliteration. Rhyme
is when the ending sounds of words are the same. Rhythm is the “beat”
that a poem has. Clapping your hands when reading poetry can give you
a sense of rhythm. Alliteration is the repeating of beginning consonant
sounds in more than one word. For more information about these
elements, see the Some Elements of Poetry reference sheet. These
elements will help your child better understand and appreciate poetry.
Reading in the Home, on the Go, and for the Fun of It —
DIRECTIONS: Look at the Some Elements of Poetry reference sheet.
Read each part to your parent or guardian. Discuss rhyme, rhythm, and
alliteration to make sure both of you understand them. Ask your
parent or guardian to read the “All in a Day” poem to you. Then read it
several times to your parent or guardian. This will help you become
familiar with the poem. Try to read using rhythm. Then, find two
examples of each element listed on the reference sheet. Discuss them
with your parent or guardian to make sure he or she agrees. Write
these examples on the What’s in a Poem? activity page.
Talk about It —
After you have finished the activity, turn to The Back Page to show
what you know.
Now go have some fun with the activity! (
Grade 2 – Rhythm/Rhyme/Alliteration
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
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Some Elements of Poetry
Rhyme
Rhyme is when the ending vowel and consonant sounds of
words are the same.
mouse/house low/toe
Rhyme helps give shape or form to a poem and joins lines
together.
Rhythm
Rhythm is the kind of “beat” a poem has.
Rhythm is the rise and fall of sounds. This gives poetry a
“beat.”
Rain went pitter patter.
It was loud if you prefer.
Alliteration
Alliteration is the repeating of the beginning consonant
sounds in two or more words. These words will be in the
same line or in two lines that follow each other.
She sells sea shells on the sea shore.
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
Grade 2 – Rhythm/Rhyme/Alliteration
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
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All in a Day
The sky was a bright blue,
As beautiful as could ever be;
The birds flapped as they flew
With their feathers all a fluttery.
Ashen clouds glided by
Like lines of lazily, floating burs;
As the sun said goodbye,
And showed shiny, shimmering colors.
The full moon rose on high,
Blanketing the earth in shining light;
Stars appeared glowing nigh,
As children hoped and wished on first sight.
To bed in sleep we lay
With dreams of dancing daisies in mind;
Awaken the next day,
Facing a day of similar kind.
Grade 2 – Rhythm/Rhyme/Alliteration
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
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What’s in a Poem?
Rhyme
1.
2.
Rhythm
1.
2.
Alliteration
1.
2.
Grade 2 – Rhythm/Rhyme/Alliteration
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
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The Back Page
Talk about It
Parent —
Ask your child the following questions:
9What is rhyme in poetry?
9What is rhythm in poetry?
9What is alliteration in poetry?
Student —
Answer the above questions in complete sentences on the
reverse side of this page.
OR
Do the following activity on the reverse side of this page:
9Find a poem you like. Give one example of rhyme,
rhythm, or alliteration in that poem.
9Write a short poem. Use rhyme, rhythm, and
alliteration when writing your poem.
__________________________ __________________________
Student’s Name
Parent or Guardian’s Signature
Grade 2 – Rhythm/Rhyme/Alliteration
© 2004 Evans Newton Incorporated
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Last printed 9/2/04