Did you know that 13 words make up 25% of what we read?
Did you know that 100 words make up 50% of what we read?
Here are some center ideas to help children master sight words. Studies suggest that it takes the average child 25-36 exposures/experiences with a word before it is saved in their brains, so they'll be on their way with these activities.
*Note! You might use some of these strategies already, but I hope you find at least one new idea.
In the News
Give children a section of the newspaper and highlighters. How many letters can they find that they can read? Ask them to write the words on a sheet of paper.
*Children can also identify words with glass pebbles.
Roll and Write
Make a graph with six sections going across and down. Number the sections in the top row 1-6 and then write a high frequency word in each section. Children roll a die. They find that number at the top of their frame and then write that word under it. They continue rolling the die and writing words as long as time permits.
Four Square Writing
Show children how to fold a sheet of paper into fourths. Have them trace over the creased lines to make four squares. Number the sections “1,” “2,” “3,” “4.” Ask children to write one letter words in the section numbered “l.” Write 2 letter words in the second section, 3 letter words in the third section, and 4 letter words in the fourth section.
Bookmark
Make a bookmark from a 2” x 8 ½” piece of construction paper. Give children old newspapers and magazines and ask them to out words they can read and glue them to the bookmark.
Word Necklace
Cut a sheet of paper in half. Fold into eighths and cut on the creased lines. Staple to make a small book. Hole punch in the corner and tie on a piece of string. Children walk around the classroom and write words they can read.
*Use this necklace book for color words, shapes, adjectives, etc.
Rainbow Writing
Make “rainbow words” by tracing around each word with different colors of crayons.
Word Search
Prepare a list of words found in the classroom and run off. Children walk around the room searching for the words on the list. They can cross through the words as they find them.
Partner Read the Room
One child is the “student” and wears an empty pair of glasses. The other child is the “teacher” and holds a pointer. As they walk around the room the teacher points to words and the student reads them. After ten words they switch places.
Note! Whisper voices only for this activity!