Teaching sight words has its challenges as it is, but when you add distance/virtual learning to the equation, it can be overwhelming! Where do I start? How do I make sure my students are interacting with the words and learning them? In this mini post, I will go over the steps I have taken to help my students be successful in a digital classroom.
At my school, we were able to have students pick up supplies for distance learning. I made each of my students sight word books, so they could follow along, write in and color their books, and read them anytime they want. If you were not given this option, you could also send parents a digital version of the books for them to print or for the students to view online. These are the sight word readers I made and used in my classroom. They come with two versions of each reader and a Powerpoint that goes with each reader as well. I also have this FREEBIE sight word reader and Powerpoint you can try with your students!
I start introducing a sight word by presenting the Powerpoint to the students. We read the word together, spell it, and sing the word.
Then students practice writing the word. I show students how to write it on a whiteboard, and then they practice tracing the word and writing it on their own.
After that, we practice reading and tracing the sentences and highlighting our sight word of the day. We go through all the pages, and then students can color all of their pictures. Students also have a chance to create their own sentence using the sight word. This is my favorite part because the students are so creative and have so much fun making up their own sentences! It is also an amazing opportunity to get to know your students.
I love having these sight word readers handy for whenever students finish something early or need a break. Whether they are at home or in the classroom, I will let them grab a sight word booklet and practice reading. They have really shown so much growth in their sight word knowledge and fluency in reading.
