Sight Words

Sight words are words that can be read automatically by sight- you just look at the word and read it. These words are also critical words for your child to know how to spell as they prepare to formulate sentences independently.

This year the grade ones will be learning many sight words. Each week we will practice specific new words and add them to our class Word Wall for reference during reading and writing class activities. The goal is that eventually when your child sees these words they no longer go through the 'sounding out' phase. This is by no means a intense test for your child, if your child is stuck on a word please tell it to them, we don't want this to be frustrating. Practicing spelling words is also getting them in the habit of having a short amount of 'homework' to do.
Below are a few ways you might use to help your child prepare for Friday:

• Write the words on flashcards and have them identify the individual letters that spell the word
• Use two sets of flashcards and play memory
• Use pipe cleaners and have them bend into the desired letters to spell each word
• Rainbow words: have them practice printing each word in different colors
• Spell the words using play dough, letter beads etc. 
• Search for the words in a newspaper
• Type words out on a keyboard(even a paper one)
• Make up word search puzzles at http://abcya.com/make_a_word_search.htm

Do what works best for you and your child, as I said this doesn't have to be a painful process, we can make it fun!