Sight Word Practice Strategies
There are many terms used for words that don't follow typical English spelling patterns. Your child may have brought home a list of "sight words, snap words, or star words." Typically, this means that children should (ideally) be able to read these words instantly. These words are often difficult to sound out, which is where the terms "sight" and "snap" come into play. Children should know these words by sight or in a snap. In addition to not being able to sound out these words, many of the words are visually very similar. Take "or" and "of" for example. If you remove the horizontal line in the "f" you have the letter "r." Tricky stuff for young readers!
Anyway, that's a little background info. The actual stuff you want is here! Here are some strategies to help reinforce the spelling and the reading of tricky words. Keep in mind that these strategies can be used with any new word or spelling word. These strategies engage the whole body, making these kinesthetic learning opportunities for your child.
When I work with children and use this strategy, I have students create small flashcards containing their words. The student earns a small star on the card after he/she can read it with automaticity (by sight or in a snap). I quiz the child after practicing 3-5 new words by adding 3-4 starred words to the mix. This helps ensure that he/she is retaining the new information.
Arm Tapping
Your child will spell the word and tap each letter out, starting at the shoulder and working toward the wrist. Then, the child slides his hand down his arm when saying the whole word to finish. Word cards can be out and then flipped over to try and tap/spell them from memory.
Table Writing
Looking at the word card, the child "writes" with his/her finger on the table and then slides his/her finger underneath the word while reading the whole word. This can then be done again, but flipping the word card over and table writing from memory.
See & Say
The child looks at the word card and says the word. He/She also runs his/her finger below the word while reading. If the child does not know the word, use the script below.
Air Writing
The child stands or sits and locks his/her arm and air writes to spell out the words. Word cards can be out and then flipped to try and spell from memory. Have him/her select a color to really visualize the letters and the motions.
Sight word and spelling practice-Table Writing
Spelling and Sight Word Practice- See & Say + Corrective Language
Spelling and Sight Word Practice-Air Writing
Correcting Reading Mistakes
What do you do when your child is stuck or doesn't know the word?
Use this script to help teach and reinforce new words. This script sounds a little rigid, but it's about repetition and having the child say and use the word as many times as possible.
Adapted from: http://www.sightwords.com/sight-words/lessons/