What are Word Wall Words?
Word Wall Words are also referred to as “high-frequency” words because they commonly appear in text. The goal is for these words to become automatic for students to read quickly and not sound them out. “Recognizing high-frequency words helps children to read; being able to spell high-frequency words will help children to write.” (Cunningham, 2003)
How do children learn sight words?
Practice, Practice, Practice!!!! As children begin to see these words on the classroom word wall, in text, and in their environment they will learn to recognize them without having to decode letter by letter.
At school, we use a variety of tools to 'build' these words and do other fun games and activities to help 'lock these words into our brains'. (Check out some pics of us working on 'word wall words')
At home, you can help your child remember these words by reviewing them as they come home in the planner each week and by bringing them to your child's attention when you notice them in their reading/writing. Here are some fun things to try at home with 'spelling/word wall words'.
HANGMAN: play using the word wall words
EYE SPY: Look for words in book
CONCENTRATON: Make 2 copies of each sight words and play
RAINBOW WORDS: write the words using different color markers. SIDEWALK CHALK: Write the sight words with chalk on the sidewalk.CHUNK IT: Circle smaller words within words using a dry erase board. ABC ORDER: Have your student put the words in A.B.C. order. FLASHLIGHT WORDS: Write the words on cards. Turn off the lights and put the spotlight on the word and call it out. PLAY DOUGH: Make the words using playdough SCRABBLE: Students make the words using scrabble pieces. BEADS: Get ABC beads and string the words together STENCILS: Write the words using stencils. ABC STAMPS: use stamps to make the words MAGNETIC LETTERS: Build the words using magnetic letters WORDO or TIC TAC TOE: Wordo, similar to Bingo, Make a grid with nine squares. Have the students choose nine words from the word wall to write in each square. Then randomly call out a word and the students must either cross it out or cover it with a marker if they have it. You can play until someone gets three in a row or covers the whole board. You might decide at the beginning how many winners you will have. MAGIC FINGER: Write the word on the child’s back and have them tell you the word, take turns. Most importantly....have fun! |
