SIGHT WORDS
Choose 4 to 5 words each week to practice daily with one of these strategies.
Sign Language - As you introduce new words, teach children the signs for the words by using the dictionary at aslpro.com.
Karate Writing
Spell out words with karate writing. For letters that start at the top dotted line punch up high. For letters that start at the middle dotted line punch out in front of your waist. For letters with a tail that go below the line give a little kick.
A – punch from waist
B – punch up in the air
C – punch from waist
D – punch up in the air
E – punch from the waist
F – punch up in the air
G – give a little kick…etc.
Sports Spell - Pretend to be athletes and spell out words.
Basketball – bounce on letters and make a basket as you say the word.
Baseball – swing on letters and twirl around and hit a home run as you say the word
Soccer – small kicks on the letters and kick a goal as you say the word
Let children make up motions for other sports, such as swimming, fishing, etc.
High Five Words
Cut hands out of construction paper and write the words you want to practice on the hands. Tape to your classroom door. Every time you leave the classroom stand at the door and call words out to the students. They must high five that hand before exiting.
Sing to Cadence
Children echo each line as you sing, march, and slap your thighs.
There are some words you needIf you want to learn to read
___ ____ ____ ____
___ ____ ____ ____
Mystery Word
Play a game where you give clues about the words. For example: “I start with “L” and rhyme with “book.”
Sentences
Encourage children to make up sentences using sight words.
VOCABULARY WORDS
Each week choose a word (or two) from a book, unit of study, or of personal interest to your students. Call them POWER WORDS or SPARKLE WORDS. Make a big deal of introducing the words by saying:
Give a drum roll….(pat knees and make a sound).
Give a Beethoven…(pretend to hold a violin and hum the first few notes of Beethoven’s 5th Symphony).
Give me a trumpet…(pretend to hold a horn and toot).
*Dramatize the words.
*Invite students to make up sentences using the words.
*Put the word in a name badge and wear it throughout the day. At random times in the day say, “If you know my special word smile at me.” “If you can read my word shout it out!” “If you can read my word whisper it out.”
*Give children a cheer when they use a power word.