Fry and Dolch chose the words on the list because they recur over and over, on every page of print. Fry named the list sight words because a child needs to know the words instantly, "on sight." Stumbling over recurring words creates a cascade of other reading problems.
Since the words are seen over and over, it seems like children would learn them. However, most of the words look-alike to the child and don't seem to have a meaning. And, most can't be sounded out. Examples: does, goes, were, where, why, who, could, should, would, etc.
Sight word lists are all the same, regardless of the name your school gives them. The words are placed on the list according to how often they are seen in print. The comes 1st because it is used most often.
It is much more effective for a child to learn these words within sentences. Sentences give the child a way to get a grip on words with vague meanings. Words like cat and tiger make sense to a child; but they are not sight words. Sight words like are, was, and that are abstract and vague.
Look: The cat and the mouse are friends. The cat was looking for the mouse. The mouse is under that big leaf.
A flashcard is useful for review after the word is pretty well secured within your child's mind. Flashcards are also important for quick review for grade-level readers in 2nd and 3rd grades.
I use ebay as my website. Search Instant Reading Help all my books will pop up.
You might like to look at my Giraffe book to help you be sure your child learns the sight words. Your child will have fun learning the words in sentences, stories, blends, rhyming words, and Bingo games. My books also teach a special comprehension method and the tricky phonics are in bold, making it easier for your child to see which letters are special. Lots of color pictures and unique teaching tools. All include my contact info, email or call for help.
You might like to look at my Giraffe book to help you be sure your child learns the sight words. Your child will have fun learning the words in sentences, stories, blends, rhyming words, and Bingo games. My books also teach a special comprehension method and the tricky phonics are in bold, making it easier for your child to see which letters are special. Lots of color pictures and unique teaching tools. All include my contact info, email or call for help.
Thank you for visiting my blog. Have fun reading with your child! Mary Maisner
I have a 6-year-old child, I've been teaching him new words with flashcards for 1 year, he loves playing with flashcards.
ReplyDeleteLast month I found an interesting flashcard site - superflashcard.com, now my kid is playing with their flashcard apps on an iPad and he is even more excited with his study, he remembers a lot of new words, even difficult ones.
There is nothing better for reading success than the feeling of getting things right! Keep doing what you find works for your child. I am sure when you are reading together you encourage your child to point to the words he has learned. This reenforces his words and helps him see that his words are found in all kinds of places. Thank you for sharing your experience. Very best wishes, Mary Maisner
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