Phonics and sight words go hand-in-hand when reading. However, sounding out a sight word, especially when the early stages of phonetic decoding, will not help the child. Many activities are available to help the child achieve a substantial sight word vocabulary.
Sight Word Flashcards
Prior to starting any readers, go through the book and pick out the sight words the child will need to know. Put these words on flashcards. Some people like to write sight words in red, as a hint to “Stop! You can’t sound out this word!”
Flashcards can also be made from a prewritten list. Different school districts have different lists from which they work. Teachers will already have access to this; parents can request a list from their child’s teacher. Many people refer to the Dolch word list.
Make two sets of the flashcards for memory or concentration games. Or, use flashcards that have both a picture and its name on them. Many educational websites have printable flashcards and activities that can be used.
Sight Word Bingo
Create a Bingo game using the current sight words you are studying. Children will have to practice reading the word out loud as they take turns being the caller. They will also have to recognize the words as they are being called out. Many of these are available online, as well as at your local stores that carry school supplies.
Sight Word Readers
Several titles and series exist that focus on sight words. Scholastic has a great series. Dick and Jane is another sight word series that has stood the test of time. Read the books together and make flashcards of new sight words to practice in between reading sessions.
Frequently Used Words Notebook
Have the child practice writing new sight words that he has mastered into a special notebook. Writing and spelling words also helps him recognize them when he encounters them while reading.
Practice typing words on the computer. Keep an online frequently used words notebook.
Environmental Print
Expand her sight word vocabulary by labeling objects all around her. Label the door, clock, shelves, books, etc. Make a second set of those cards and have the child match them on or at the objects.
Picture Dictionaries
Keep picture dictionaries and word books on hand. Encourage the child to look up and copy all fruit words, all animal words, etc. Read picture dictionaries and word books together. Encourage the child to try to “read” the words himself.
Word Searches
Practice spelling sight words by hiding them in simple word searches. Make your own or look for some on educational websites.
Artistic Interpretations of Sight Words
Write sight words in large print for the child to trace with pencil or marker. Let her paint over them. Let her trace them with glue, cover them with sand or glitter, then trace them again when dry.
Make the sight words out of playdoh or clay. Make the sight words out of pipe cleaners or chenille sticks.
Sight words are more difficult to learn than phonetic words. Using a variety of methods to teach the sight words will make the process fun. The more fun the child has learning the sight words, the more likely he is to retain them.
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