Sight Words

 

Parents-

You have probably heard a lot about teaching your child the “high frequency” words or “sight words”. These are the 100 or so most commonly used words in the printed language. They are often difficult for early readers because they are phonetically irregular (they can’t be sounded out). But, they are essential for readers, and knowing these words allows the reader to read quickly and fluently. The best way to learn high-frequency words is through memorization and repetition.  Children need to read and write these words every day (which they are doing in school).

 

Here are some fun ways to help your child with Sight words:

 

Go Fish!

Make 2 cards for each word your child is currently practicing. Each player receives 7 cards and then follows the standard playing rules for Go Fish. The goal is to have matched pairs. (Example: Player #1: “Do you have from?”. If player #2 does not have the requested card, player #1 must draw a card and play continues. The player with the most pairs, wins.

 

Memory

Make 2 cards for each word your child is currently practicing. Lay the cards face down on the floor or table. Players take turns trying to match identical words. The player with the most pairs, wins.

 

Hopscotch

Use sidewalk chalk to create this game on your driveway. Write a word in each square. Players must be able to read a word before hopping into the square.

 

Checkers

Make a checkerboard with a word in each square. Set up the board with red and black checkers and play according to checkers rules. The exception to the rule? Players must be able to read each word correctly before they can move to the corresponding square!

 

Tic Tac Toe

Make a blank Tic Tac Toe board. Have your child copy a selected word in each of the squares. Players select a space to read. If they are correct, they may place an X or O in the space.

 

Funny Voices

Compile a stack of words on index cards. As you go through the stack of cards, challenge your child to read the words in the following voices: baby, robot, goofy, scary, mad, old, etc.

 

Use plastic/magnetic letters

Use magnetic letters to spell high-frequency words

 

Make A List

Each time they “master” a word have them write it down on a word list and they will be proud as they watch it grow.