Lesson Plan
Music & Words Connect
Students will analyze rhyming patterns in song lyrics to reinforce phonemic awareness and vocabulary skills.
This lesson integrates Common Core literacy standards by developing phonemic awareness through rhyme recognition, fostering independent learning and collaboration.
Audience
2nd Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Station-based independent exploration with rhyme analysis.
Materials
Printed Song Lyrics Sheets, Rhyme Pattern Recording Sheets, Audio Player with Preloaded Songs, Timer or Visual Timer Tool, Pencils and Colored Pencils, and Clipboards (optional)
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print enough copies of Printed Song Lyrics Sheets for each station.
- Print or photocopy Rhyme Pattern Recording Sheets.
- Load a selection of child-friendly songs onto the Audio Player with Preloaded Songs.
- Place pencils, colored pencils, and clipboards at each station.
- Set up a Timer or Visual Timer Tool visible to all students.
Step 1
Station Introduction
5 minutes
- Gather students and explain the goal: finding and labeling rhymes in song lyrics.
- Demonstrate how to circle rhyming words on the lyrics and transfer them to the recording sheet.
- Model one complete example from Verse 1 of the Printed Song Lyrics Sheets.
Step 2
Center Rotations
20 minutes
- Divide students into two groups; each group visits both stations for two rotations of about 10 minutes each, using the Timer or Visual Timer Tool.
Station A – Lyric Reading:
- Play a short song on the Audio Player with Preloaded Songs.
- Students read the Printed Song Lyrics Sheets and circle words that rhyme.
Station B – Rhyme Identification:
- Students write the circled words on the Rhyme Pattern Recording Sheets.
- Label each pair’s scheme (A/A if they rhyme, A/B if they don’t).
- Draw lines to match rhyming words.
Step 3
Share and Reflect
5 minutes
- Invite volunteers to present one rhyme pair from each station.
- Discuss: How did you decide if words rhymed? How can rhyme patterns help with reading?
- Collect the recording sheets for review.
Step 4
Differentiation & Assessment
Ongoing
- Provide students needing support with a guided graphic organizer showing one example of each rhyme scheme.
- Offer advanced learners extra lyric verses to find additional rhymes or to create their own rhyming lines.
- Formatively assess by reviewing completed Rhyme Pattern Recording Sheets for correct identification and labeling.
- Observe and note student engagement and provide targeted feedback as needed.
Slide Deck
Music & Words Connect
2nd Grade | Independent Learning Center
30 Minutes
Explore rhymes!
Welcome students to our independent learning centers. Briefly introduce yourself and set expectations for active engagement and respect. Explain that today we’ll connect music and words through two fun stations.
Learning Objective & Agenda
Objective:
• Analyze rhyming patterns in song lyrics
Agenda:
- Station Introduction (5 min)
- Center Rotations (20 min)
- Share & Reflect (5 min)
Highlight the lesson objective and outline the agenda. Make eye contact and use a timer to keep pace.
Station Overview
• 2 Stations (10 min each)
• Rotate on signal using the Visual Timer Tool
• Work collaboratively in small groups
Stations:
A. Lyric Reading
B. Rhyme Identification
Explain the station rotation model. Show the stations around the room and point to the Timer or Visual Timer Tool. Emphasize moving quietly and using materials independently.
Station A – Lyric Reading
Materials:
• Printed Song Lyrics Sheets
• Audio Player with Preloaded Songs
Task:
- Play the song.
- Read the lyrics and circle words that rhyme.
- Highlight matching rhyme pairs in the same color.
At Station A, students will listen and read along. Model circling rhymes and annotating lyrics. Remind them to use pencils and colored pencils for clarity.
Station B – Rhyme Identification
Materials:
• Rhyme Pattern Recording Sheets
• Pencils
Task:
- Write the rhyming words in the chart.
- Label each pair’s scheme (A/A or A/B).
- Draw lines to match rhymes.
Show how to transfer circled words to the recording sheet and label rhyme schemes (A/A or A/B). Provide an example: “cat/hat = A/A; cat/dog = A/B.”
Share & Reflect
• Volunteers share one rhyme pair.
• Discuss: How did you decide if words rhymed? How can rhyme patterns help with reading?
Facilitate sharing. Call on 2–3 volunteers to share their favorite rhyme pair. Encourage peers to notice patterns and vocabulary.
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
• Return all materials to each station.
• Share any final thoughts or questions.
• Great job connecting music and literacy today!
Thank students for their work. Remind them to return all materials neatly. Collect sheets for review and offer praise for collaboration and creativity.
Worksheet
Song Lyrics Sheets
Below are two short songs. As you listen, circle the words that rhyme in each verse.
Verse 1:
I see the sun so bright today
It shines its light to show me the way
I hear the birds sing high above
They sing their songs I really love
Verse 2:
I feel the wind upon my face
It gently moves in soothing pace
I watch the clouds that drift around
They paint soft shapes without a sound
Worksheet
Rhyme Pattern Recording Sheets
Use this chart to write the two words that rhyme and label each pair’s rhyme pattern (A/A if they rhyme, A/B if they don’t).
Pair 1
Word 1: ____________
Word 2: ____________
Rhyme Scheme (A/A or A/B): ____________
Pair 2
Word 1: ____________
Word 2: ____________
Rhyme Scheme (A/A or A/B): ____________
Pair 3
Word 1: ____________
Word 2: ____________
Rhyme Scheme (A/A or A/B): ____________
Pair 4
Word 1: ____________
Word 2: ____________
Rhyme Scheme (A/A or A/B): ____________