IDEAS FOR PRACTICING HIGH FREQUENCY WORDS
Below are some ideas for studying high frequency words.
Remember that each child learns differently. It is important to make learning fun and not stressful. Children will memorize these words at different rates and ways. Keep exposing them to the words until they start recognizing them by sight.
Introduce 1 to 5 words each week depending on your child's age and learning style.
Remember that each child learns differently. It is important to make learning fun and not stressful. Children will memorize these words at different rates and ways. Keep exposing them to the words until they start recognizing them by sight.
Introduce 1 to 5 words each week depending on your child's age and learning style.
Introduce words in a meaningful way. for example, write them in a sentence: I saw a boat. Underline the high frequency word ( saw); discuss what it means and its features ( this word starts with sound s...). Have student point and sound each letter. Have them write each letter.
Make an index card flash card and post it for student to see it! You can use these index cards in many ways. Use them to assess what words your child already knows and to introduce and practice new words. As the number of cards increases, spend each day practicing. Remember only 1-5 words a week!!!!
Use flashcards:
Spend each day reviewing words using your flashcards. Show cards, one at the time, and have a child tell you the word as quick as they can. If a child hesitates, tell them the word and put it back in the pile. A child has not fluently memorized the word yet. Keep practicing.
I Have, Who Has?
Make cards for this game to practice sight words: I have "the," who has "from?"
Whisper/Shout:parent directed using cards
As you go through the stack of cards, students read words in a whispery voice. After several words, "Say it louder." Students gradually move up to a gentle shout for the last few words.
Funny Voices:
As you go through the stack of cards, ask the children to read in the following voices:
baby robot (monotone ) goofy scary mad old
Using "word bank" ( index card words)
Ø Match cards whose word begins with the same letter or syllable.
Ø Match cards whose word ends with the same letter or syllable.
Ø Match cards whose word is the same.
Ø Match cards whose words rhyme.
Ø Arrange cards according to alphabetical order.
Ø Arrange cards according to the number of syllables in each word.
Ø Make up sentences using the words on the cards.
Ø Make up a story using all the words on the cards.
Ø Find synonyms, antonyms or homonyms.
Ø Find cards whose words have the same root or base word.
Ø Find cards whose words have prefixes or suffixes.
Ø Find cards with compound or derived words.
Ø Arrange cards by the stress on the words.
Ø Make up a story or poem using all or most of the words on the cards.
Use plastic letters.
Make the word, read the word, and break the word. Later, encourage them to make the word, read the word, cover the word, write the word, check the word, read the word. (Children may peek at the word if necessary while they are learning to write it correctly.)
Use dry erase boards or magic slates.
Write the word over and over until it is learned, erasing each time. This is a writing task, not a copying task. If the child is using paper and pencil, fold the paper over each time or use another paper or card to cover the previous word. If the child needs a model to start with, provide it. Then cover it and allow the child to peek if necessary. Then remove it altogether. Encourage the children to make sure the words are in their heads.
Vocabulary Cards or Word Banks
Words on rings or in a box: word on one side, use in a sentence on the other, underline the high frequency word, illustrate.
Can You Find and Frame?
After a child reads a passage, ask him/her to frame one or two high frequency words.
Highlight high frequency words:
Have children go through the poem of the week, worksheets, math homework, etc. and highlight the sight words of the week.
Flexible Practice/Taking high frequency words to fluency:
Write several times on the practice page
Rainbow writing
Magnetic letters
Write on the white board
Write in the air, on the carpet
Write on a Magna Doodle
Write on a chalkboard
Write words with a wet sponge or brushes on a chalkboard
Commercial Games/Activities:
any games with cards to read or letters to manipulate:
Scrabble Go Fish Bingo Boggle
Clusters Lotto Chunks Word Search
Hang Man
Word Wall Activities
Post the words in alphabetic order. Keep adding words as you introduce them.
Read the word wall quickly. Read it backwards from z to a.
I'm Thinking of a Word
This is a good activity for developing scanning skills. However, be sure to build in success for all. You need to have many words on the word wall for it to be effective.I'm thinking of a word. It rhymes with, means the same thing as, is the opposite of, we use this word when, etc. When you know it, raise your hand. Kids can provide the clues later.