Knowing sight words is incredibly important for students who are learning to read. It’s not often that we want our students to simply memorize something, but sight words are the exception. They need to know these words immediately, on sight. Imagine asking your firsties to sit and memorize a word list… definitely NOT the most effective way to teach. But, using sight words activities to get them up and moving is something they’ll enjoy. For more ideas, check out this earlier post.
Sight Words Activities
Students don’t need to be up and physically moving around the room. Being highly engaged in what they’re doing counts as being “active.” The activities here will keep them engaged and make learning those sight words painless!
You’ll need to have several sets of sight words flashcards, with 15 – 20 words in each set. Once you have these ready your prep work is basically done!
Sight Word “Go Fish”
This is the Go Fish card game that we all know and love. But you’ll be using your flashcards instead.
Start by shuffling the cards. Each partner gets 5 to start. Put the rest in a pile to draw from. The first student looks at their cards and chooses one, then asks their partner if they have it.
If the partner has the card, they hand it over. If not, the “asker” draws a card.
When they have a match, they say the word and then lay it down. When all the cards have been matched, they count how many pairs each has.
Sight Word “Cup Stacking Challenge”
This is a fun game that your students will love!
You’ll need your sight words flashcards as well as some Solo cups. Use a Sharpie to write a sight word on each cup.
Arrange the cups so that they can all be seen, and place all the cards in a pile.
The kids will take turns drawing a card and then finding the matching cup. They’ll use the cups to make a tower! Challenge them to build the highest or widest tower!
Sight Word “Concentration”
Another common game that can be used to practice sight words!
Take two sets of flashcards and mix them all up. Spread them out in a grid.
Students take turns turning over 2 cards and reading them. If they match, they keep them. If not they turn them back over.
Take turns until all the matches have been found. The winner is the one with the most pairs.
“I Spy” Sight Words Activities and Centers
These NO PREP I Spy Sight Words and Vocabulary Activities provide an excellent opportunity for reading sight words and basic vocabulary. Students will use a magnifying glass to search for the words hidden in the picture. Just print and go! Using a magnifying glass is such a fun way for your students to practice vocabulary while also working on hand eye coordination. Let your kindergarten, first, and second grade students play the role of detective and make learning exciting!
I Spy Sight Words Activities and Centers includes:
- 24 color pictures with hidden sight words and vocabulary
- Recording sheets for students
- Answer keys are sited directly after student response sheets to allow for back-back printing and therefore student self-checking
I would suggest that you laminate for durability. The only supply you need with this resource is a magnifying glass or two!
Do you have some fun ways to practice sight words? Please share!
