I have found a way to teach sight words that helps students memorize the words and understand them! Students can also work on reading, writing, speaking and listening during sight word instruction. English language learners really learn the language when they are able to practice using the words in sentences.
We use Heidi Songs at my school, which is a fun way to initially introduce the sight words using songs and movement. The students really respond to this and look forward to learning new words. Every time my students are writing the word "the", they sing the sight word song. It is so cute! :)
After the students are introduced to the word, we create a chart together with example sentences. I model a sentence for the students, and then let students think of their own sentences and share their sentences with a partner or small group.
I listen in on their sentences, and I choose students to share their sentences. I write their sentences on a chart, and I highlight the sight word.
Here is an example of our poster when we worked on the sight word "look".
After we make the chart together, the students work in sight word centers. I work with a group, I have a group on the computers, and a group working on our sight word word work. I work with a small group of about 5-7 on writing their own sentences using the sight word.
The students practice writing the word, and then they write their own sentence and illustrate it. We write on our sight word worksheets. They can be found for Fry's first 50 and Fry's first 100 words as well as pre-primer & primer words, and 1st and 2nd grade words.
Here are some wonderful examples from when we learned the sight word "go"!
Using this strategy has really helped my students grow in their reading, writing, sight word memorization, and confidence! I hope it helps your students, too. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.
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