3 Ways to Make Sight Words Stick

Sight words, also known as high-frequency words, are the most commonly used words in the English language. These words make up a significant portion of the text we read and write every day. This makes learning sight words essential for children to read fluently and comprehend what they read better. However, some children find it challenging to memorize sight words. Keep reading to find out a few different ways to make sight words stick.

3 Ways to Make Sight Words Stick

Repetition

Using repetition is a great way to make sight words stick. Through repetition, a child becomes familiar with new words which makes it easier for them to recognize it quickly. Repetition also helps the child recognize the word outside the lessons such as in a book. To make repetition more fun and engaging, use flashcards or create a game. 

For example, you can write high frequency words on flash cards and place them face down. Then, ask your child to turn over the cards one by one and read the words aloud. If your child can read the word correctly, they can keep the card. If not, put the card back in the pile and continue the game. 

Playing a classic memory game using index cards or flashcards is another effective method to memorize words. Play a simple game for 10 to 15 minutes each day to achieve the repetition needed for memorization. Start with small groups of the most common words, then slowly introduce new sight words. 

Use It In Context

Teaching sight words in a sentence or story can help children gain a better understanding of the word and how to use it. Understanding the word leads to easier memorization of it as well. Pointing out sight words in stories or encouraging your child to use a word in a sentence also encourages your child to use the new words they are learning. You may want to write sight words on index cards along with other words your child may know and have him create sentences. 

You can also provide your child with a piece of paper containing passages and have your child circle all the sight words they can find. These activities can be done a few times a week. Keep a pile of mastered words and a pile of works to work on to keep track of your child’s progress.

Take the Multi-Sensory Approach

Using a multisensory approach can help children remember sight words. A multisensory approach involves using multiple senses, such as sight, sound, and touch, to help children remember the word. For example, a child can write a sight word on a white board, use magnetic letters to create the word, draw it in sand on a cookie sheet or in rice, and create it while finger painting.

Writing fry words on popsicle sticks, sticky notes, and with sidewalk chalk are also a few other fun sight word activities to try. And if your young readers need even more creative ways to learn these new words, incorporate a sensory bin, shaving cream, and play dough. 

Pre-Primer Sight Word Flashcards

I have a set of free sight word flashcards that will help with rote memorization, phonemic awareness, and phonics skills. These printable Sight Word Flashcards are the perfect way to help kids memorize and/or review all 40 words on the Pre-Primer Sight Word List. This set includes worksheets for the words: a, I, it, is, the, you, and, go, me, my, to, can, for, in, see, we, make, not, run, play, jump, here, away, big, little, down, up, one, two, three, blue, red, yellow, funny, help, come, find, look, where & said.

Final Thoughts

Gaining sight word knowledge is an essential skill for children as it helps them read fluently and comprehend what they read better. With these three strategies and fun activities, children can learn sight words quickly and easily, making the process of learning to read more enjoyable and rewarding. To keep from getting overwhelmed, start with a small list of words. Use recording sheets to keep up with which words are easily learned and still need to be reviewed. Lastly, turn learning into a fun game. Even struggling readers will have fun learning and over time, you’ll notice them picking up on basic sight words and reading unfamiliar words in a breeze.

Download your Sight Word Flashcards today!

These printable Sight Word Flashcards are the perfect way to help kids memorize and/or review all 40 words on the Pre-Primer Sight Word List.