Learning to read is one of the most important skills a child can acquire, as it lays the foundation for success in both school and life.
However, for some children, learning to read can be a struggle. One particular area that many struggling readers face difficulty with is sight words.
Before we dive into how to teach sight words to struggling readers, let’s first explore what sight words really are.
What are Sight Words?
Sight words are words that are commonly used in the English language and are not easily decoded by phonics.
Examples include words like “the,” “and,” “is,” and “it.” These words are often learned by sight recognition and memorization rather than phonics.
For struggling readers, memorizing these words can be a significant challenge. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies for teaching sight words to struggling readers.
Related: What Should a 4 Year Old Know Educationally
10 Research Based Strategies on Teaching Sight Words
Introduce Sight Words Gradually
One of the most important strategies for teaching sight words to struggling readers is to introduce them gradually.
Overwhelming children with too many words at once can cause frustration and hinder progress. Instead, start with a small set of sight words and gradually add more as the child becomes comfortable.
It is also essential to ensure that the child fully understands the meaning of each sight word. Provide clear explanations and examples to help them comprehend the words they are learning.
Using visuals and real-life objects can also be beneficial in helping the child connect the word with its meaning.
Related: How to Teach High Frequency Words
Use Multi-Sensory Techniques
Many struggling readers benefit from multi-sensory techniques that engage multiple senses. For example, you can use tactile objects such as playdough, sandpaper letters, or letter tiles to help children learn sight words.
This approach allows children to see, feel, and touch the letters, making the learning experience more interactive and engaging.
Another multi-sensory technique that can be effective is incorporating movement into sight word learning. For example, you can have children jump or hop on a particular sight word as they read it aloud.
This technique can help struggling readers remember the word by associating it with physical movement.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice is essential when it comes to teaching sight words to struggling readers. Repetition helps children remember the words and build their confidence.
One effective practice technique is to use flashcards. Flashcards are a simple and effective way to help children learn sight words.
You can create your own flashcards or find them online. Practice the words regularly until the child can recognize them without hesitation.
Another way to practice sight words is by playing games. Games can make learning more fun and engaging.
For example, you can play a matching game where children match the written word with a picture or play a memory game where they have to remember the sight words they have learned. The more children practice sight words, the more confident they will become in reading.
Make it Fun
Learning sight words can be a tedious task, especially for struggling readers. It is essential to make the learning process fun and engaging to keep children motivated.
Incorporate games, puzzles, and other activities into the learning process to make it more enjoyable.
For example, you can create a scavenger hunt where children search for sight words around the house or classroom. You can also use technology, such as educational apps, to make learning more interactive and engaging.
Whatever approach you take, make sure it is age-appropriate, fun, and relevant to the child’s interests.
Read, Read, Read
Reading is an essential component of learning sight words. Encourage children to read books that contain sight words they are learning.
Reading books that include sight words helps children see the words in context and reinforces their meaning.
When reading with children, emphasize the sight words they are learning by pointing them out in the text.
You can also have children practice reading sight words aloud or take turns reading sentences containing the words. Reading together is a great way to reinforce sight words while also promoting a love of reading.
Related: How to Teach Preschoolers to Read
Use Mnemonics
Mnemonics are memory aids that can be helpful in teaching sight words to struggling readers. A common mnemonics technique is using a picture or phrase to help children remember the spelling or meaning of a word.
For example, the word “said” can be associated with a picture of a person talking, or the phrase “Sammy always introduces himself” can be used to remember the spelling of the word “introduces.”
Using mnemonics can make the learning process more engaging and memorable for children. It also helps struggling readers associate the sight word with a visual or verbal cue, which can aid in recall and retention.
Provide Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an essential component of teaching sight words to struggling readers. Celebrate small successes and provide praise and encouragement when children learn a new sight word or make progress.
Positive feedback can help build confidence and motivate children to continue learning.
You can also use rewards to motivate children. For example, you can offer stickers, small toys, or other incentives for each sight word learned.
Be sure to set achievable goals and provide rewards that are meaningful and age-appropriate.
Use Repetition and Review
Repetition and review are critical in helping struggling readers learn sight words. Practice the words regularly, and review previously learned words to ensure retention.
As children become more comfortable with a set of sight words, gradually introduce new words to keep the learning process challenging but achievable.
Use a Variety of Teaching Techniques
Different children learn in different ways, so it is essential to use a variety of teaching techniques when teaching sight words to struggling readers.
Some children may respond better to tactile or visual approaches, while others may benefit from auditory or kinesthetic techniques.
Experiment with different teaching techniques to find what works best for each child.
You can also ask the child’s teacher for input and collaborate on strategies that have been effective in the classroom.
Be Patient and Supportive
Teaching sight words to struggling readers can be a slow and challenging process. It is important to be patient and supportive, and to celebrate small successes along the way.
Remember that every child learns at their own pace, and progress may not always be linear.
Provide a supportive and encouraging environment, and be willing to adjust strategies as needed.
By being patient and supportive, you can help struggling readers build the confidence and skills they need to succeed in reading.
Some Fun Ways of Teaching Sight Words
Bingo
Sight Word Bingo is a fun and interactive game that can help children learn sight words. The game involves creating bingo cards with sight words written on them.
Children can mark off the words as they hear them being called out. The first child to get a line or a full card calls out “Bingo!” This game can be played with multiple players or just one child.
To make the game more exciting, you can use different themes for the bingo cards. For example, you can create bingo cards with animals, colors, or shapes.
Scavenger Hunt
A sight word scavenger hunt is a great way to get children moving while learning sight words. The game involves hiding sight words around the house or classroom, and children have to find them. You can write the words on cards or use magnetic letters to stick them to different objects.
Once the children find a word, they have to read it aloud and use it in a sentence. This activity not only helps children learn sight words but also improves their vocabulary and sentence structure.
Memory
Sight Word Memory is a classic game that can help children learn sight words. The game involves creating pairs of sight words written on cards.
The cards are placed face down, and children have to turn over two cards at a time to find a matching pair. When they find a matching pair, they have to read the words aloud.
To make the game more challenging, you can increase the number of cards or use words with similar spellings. This game can be played with multiple players or just one child.
Hopscotch
Sight Word Hopscotch is a fun game that involves children hopping on sight words written on the ground.
The game involves creating a hopscotch board with sight words written in each square. Children have to read the words aloud as they hop on them.
To make the game more exciting, you can use different colors for each square or use words with different font styles.
This game not only helps children learn sight words but also improves their balance and coordination.
Jenga
Sight Word Jenga is a fun game that involves children removing blocks from a Jenga tower, and on each block, there is a sight word written.
Children have to read the words aloud as they remove the blocks.
To make the game more challenging, you can use words with similar spellings or create sentences using the sight words. This game can be played with multiple players or just one child.
Twister
Sight Word Twister is a fun game that involves children moving their hands and feet on sight words written on a Twister mat.
The game involves creating a Twister mat with sight words written in different colors. Children have to read the words aloud as they move their hands and feet on them.
To make the game more challenging, you can increase the number of sight words or use words with similar spellings.
This game not only helps children learn sight words but also improves their flexibility and coordination.
Conclusion
To teach sight words effectively, it is essential to introduce them gradually, use multi-sensory techniques, practice regularly, make it fun, and encourage reading books that include sight words.
By incorporating these strategies into the learning process, children can become more confident in their reading abilities and overcome the difficulties they may face with sight words.
As a result, they can become successful readers who are well-equipped to excel in all aspects of their academic and personal lives.
References
- Hiebert, E. H. (2005). The critical importance of high‐frequency words to reading instruction.
- Wong, B. Y. L., & Wong, R. Y. (2010). Effective teaching of sight vocabulary: The importance of systematic instruction and practice. The Reading Teacher, 63(2), 126-130. doi: 10.1598/RT.63.2.4
- Toste, J. R., & Associates. (2014). Teaching sight words: Strategies for success. Intervention in School and Clinic, 50(3), 161-167. doi: 10.1177/1053451214530255
- Suggate, S. P., Davis, A., & Farnham, R. (2013). Teaching children to read: Evidence-based research. John Wiley & Sons.
