“ First we learn to read, and then we read to learn”
Sight words are a key component when it comes to reading fluency. This is mainly because when your child starts learning to read OR when your child is starting to read more advanced texts, it is crucial that they know their sight words before having to sound out CVC (Consonant, Vowel, Consonant) or multi-syllabic words. This helps reduce frustration and low self- esteem when reading and increases speed!
MASTERING SIGHT WORDS
Practice, Practice, Practice! We can’t stress enough that consistency, practice, and repetition are the best and most effective ways for your child to retain the information they are learning. Learning new information, sight words included, should always be taught in stages.
Stage One- Introduce the Sight Words.
This can be done using homemade or store bought flash cards. Typically teachers recommend working on 10 words at a time. This number is at your own discretion and should be based on individual needs. Make this part fun and turn it into a matching game, sight word bingo, sight word attack, etc. Take turns with your child so they can hear how the sight words are said while identifying and saying the word themselves.
Stage Two- Simple Sentences.
Once your child has mastered their sight words, the child should start reading the sight words within simple sentences. If extra scaffolding is needed, provide a word bank and have the child plug the sight words into the appropriate sentences.
Stage Three- Reading Books!
After the child has mastered their designated sight words in isolation and within simple sentences, it’s now time for reading! When choosing the best books for each child, make sure the books are at their individual level and include the words practiced.
SCANNING SIGHT WORDS BEFORE READING
When your child begins to read any text, it is important to scan the book prior to having him or her dive right in. The reason for this is so that they can become more familiar with high frequency words in the text. Ultimately this will minimize their time trying to sound out every word and lead to increased reading frequency!
