Why is learning to rhyme an essential skill for school? Let’s find out…

As schools across Australia prepare to celebrate Book Week (22 to 28 August) and the joy of reading, one Brisbane Catholic Education school is helping foster a love of language long before children open their first storybook.  

At first glance, singing nursery rhymes and action songs with babies might seem like simple fun. But at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Coorparoo, these seemingly playful moments are helping to build the foundations for learning, communication and social development long before children start school.  

It’s also the philosophy behind ‘Rhyme Time,’ a program at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School for children aged from birth to four years and their caregivers. Held weekly, the sessions support the development of children's pre-literacy, language and social skills through rhymes, songs, stories and interactive play.  

Laying the foundations for reading  

Our Lady of Mount Carmel School Teacher Librarian Katie Green said, for babies and toddlers, listening to rhymes helps tune their ears to the sounds of language.  

“The repetition, rhythm, and patterns found in nursery rhymes encourage children to hear differences between words and begin recognising sound relationships,” she said.  

“These skills form an important part of pre-literacy development and help prepare children to learn to read.  

“Rhyming activities also help strengthen listening skills, vocabulary development and verbal communication, all skills required for students when they start school.” 

Beyond words  

Katie adds that the benefits of rhyme extended beyond literacy.  

“Participating in group rhyme and song sessions encourages children to interact with others, practise turn-taking and build confidence in social settings,” she said.  

“These early interactions help foster a sense of belonging and support healthy social development.  

"The program has been a lovely way to build relationships, create a sense of belonging and support families in the early years before formal schooling begins.”  

Our Lady of Mount Carmel School Principal Jenna Webb said, “the program is so beneficial because it supports the development of the foundational oral language and phonological awareness skills that underpin later reading success, whilst also fostering social connection and belonging for young children and their families.”  

For more information about Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Coorparoo, or to enrol click here.  

Find a Catholic school in Brisbane today, click here.  

Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Book Week  

Book Week is an annual event celebrated by schools, libraries, and communities to promote literacy and the joy of reading among children. For more information about Children’s Council of Australia’s Book Week click here. 

Image caption: Parents and children take part in Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, Coorparoo's 'Rhyme Time' program. ©Brisbane Catholic Education (2026).