What is the difference between High Frequency Words and Sight Words? High Frequency Words are those that are seen the most in text (words like the, and, to). Sight Words are any words that can be recognized by sight. Once we remember high frequency words they become a sight word. These terms have some overlap because we want students to recognize high frequency words by sight too.
Both sets of words are important for kids to learn. When a child knows a lot of sight words this allows their brain to focus more on decoding strategies for other words they are reading. It is important that children start recognizing some words without sounding them out but what are some ways to accomplish this? This can be done by showing them sight words on flash cards with the "drill and kill" method or…. you can always make it fun! Some kids thrive by using flash cards so don’t count that method out but also throw in some other activities too!
Sight Word Search
This one is very simple. Just post a set of words around the classroom or house and every time the child sees the word, they should read it. It can also be turned into a game that allows the children to go search for the Sight Words and read them.
Sight Word Passwords
Take an index card, piece of paper, or a small dry erase board and add a sight word by any entrance or exit to a house, or classroom.Every time the children enter have them say the “password”. If they get it wrong have them sing it, whisper it, or yell it three times to help it stick in their memory.
Sight Word Bracelets
Is there a word you want your child to remember but it just won’t “stick”. Simply put the word around their wrist and let it be a bracelet for the day. In class I love to take a word a child is struggling with and give them a bracelet. They can read it to any adults they pass throughout the day.
Sight Word Boom Cards
Boom Cards are an online, interactive and self-checking set of activities that will help your child engage in learning activities. Practicing Sight Words on the Boom Learning App will engage children while giving them the practice they need to be successful. Check Out the Boom Card Website By Clicking Here
Sight Word Tracing
This is an activity that I remember from when I was a child. Simply take sand, shaving cream, rice, pudding, etc, and let your child write their sight words in it. This can also be done with practicing letter formation too!
Sight Word Sentences
Use words that you want children to recognize by sight and have them practice using them to build sentences. They can use a few words they are learning to make sentences. The more they practice the words the better they will know them when they see them.
Sight Word Mix it and Fix It
Using letter tiles, letter magnets or just cut up index cards take a sight word and have the child say it and spell it. Then mix up the letters and have them fix it. Once they fix it have them read it and then repeat.
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