HOMESight Word Lists
Do you want to help your child learn to read? The most commonly used words in English follow few spelling or pronunciation rules and cause children great difficulty when they are beginning to read. If you help your child master these words and know them "by sight," then s/he will be able to focus on the more important content words. Reading will be more interesting and more enjoyable as a result!
The following 30 lists with five sight words on each list (150 words total). The first five lists (25 words) alone make up about a third of all printed material. The first 20 lists (100 words) make up about half of all written material. As you can see, helping your child practice his/her sight word list on a daily basis will make a dramatic difference as s/he begins to read. Attached is your child’s first sight word list. I suggest cutting up each list and storing the words in a ziplock bag labeled with the list number. Mix up the word order each time you practice as I will be testing students using a different word order than the original list. Have fun with this - look for words in books, on posters, on signs, at the grocery store, etc.! Copy the words on slips of paper and have your child play a version of the game Memory, picking up the words when s/he has found a match. Spell out the words using Alphabets cereal. Practice at the breakfast table or before bedtime, but always keep the practice quick and fun. Let me know if you invent another great way to practice!Each student will have the opportunity every few days to be tested on his/her list. If s/he is able to read all of the words on the current list and previous list, I will send home the next list. For example, to receive list #4, your child must be able to read both lists #3 and #2. I want your child to retain knowledge of these words, not just memorize them for a day.
Every child will move at his/her own pace, so don’t be concerned if your child is on a higher or lower list than other students. Your child may also progress more slowly or quickly through the lists at different times during the year. Students are not required to finish all 30 lists – I look for progress on an individual basis.
Have fun!
Note: We will not begin sight words until we have a firm grasp on letters and sounds! I will let you know when it is time.
1 a in the Iand |
2 on see it you is |
3 what can be your
|
4 to my look like where |
5 that have yes from as |
6 by all no or had |
7 one but was do there |
8 not we an at this |
9 how said use when she |
10 if each saw their word |
11 will up then some would |
12 them so with him many |
13 other make into two he |
14 go more has these his |
15 about her time write which |
16 were could are people than |
17 been call who come made |
18 way down long now did |
19 find get part may over |
20 number first water day here |
21 very me big night am |
22 cat dog fun boy girl |
23 went book out should they |
24 of last please stop play |
Special thanks to Mrs. Buchel for this fabulous idea!