How I use Sight Words and a freebie (or two)

Yesterday morning I posted a picture on Instagram of the Sight Words Pouches (pencil cases) that I picked up at Target.  Since then I've received a number of emails wondering how I store / use sight words.  Here's a peek into my sight word routine.

First, the picture I posted of the cutest pouches.

At the beginning of the year I stock up on recipe cards at the dollar store.  Each time I teach a new sight word I have the students print the word on a card and store it in their pouch.  The pouches travel home for practice but are returned to school so we can use them each day for practice (see the game below) and to add more.

I jazz them up with a label for the front.  Click HERE to download my labels. I have formatted them to fit on AVERY 5163 labels.  There are 10 on a sheet so I only needed to use 3 sheets :)

One of the games my kiddos love to play is an idea I picked up from a co-worker years ago.  It is called WORDO  - think bingo but no bingo markers!  You can download a copy for FREE by clicking on the picture or HERE.

I've included the directions with the game, but basically students choose 6 words from their pouch and place them on their playing card (which I print 11X17).  The teacher (or caller) calls out sight words and if the player has it they remove it from their card (NO MARKERS NEEDED!).  The winner is the player who clears their card first. EASY PEASY!!!  My students ask to play it ALL.THE.TIME!

I hope you enjoy these sight word freebies :)

If you have ideas for how I can use sight words in my classroom I'd love to hear them.

I Spy Sight Words

In first grade we spend a lot of time practicing sight words.  I try to come up with so many fun ways to keep my students engaged, yet still learning and am excited to show you this!
I just put the finishing touches on this word work activity that I have been working on.

Hidden in each of the four pictures are 80 teeny tiny sight words.  Students need to use magnifying glasses to find them and then record them on one of the recording sheets.  To create this activity I used the first 80 high frequency Dolch sight words.

You can find this activity HERE at my TPT store. 

I added it to my I Spy Bundle so if you already own it just head on over and redownload to pick up a copy :)

Would you like a copy of my newest I Spy activity?  I will send a copy of I Spy Sight Words to the first 2 followers who comment on this post.  Don't forget your email!

Fluency Builders and Caring for Cole

Like many of you I have a group of students that are struggling to catch up.  I have tried so many things to build their sight word knowledge and fluency and then I found this ...
Sight Word Fluency Passages for Reading Intervention by Christina over at Second Grade Sugar and Spice.

I decided to use it with this particular group at the beginning of each of their guided reading sessions. 

Here's how it works:

First, I review the targeted sight words. In this case it was said, use and there. Then, the student finds the words in a 'word hunt'. They LOVE using highlighters, but crayons work too. You'll notice on the page that there are 'growing sentences'. The student reads each of the phrases and when they get to the end of the phrases they color one of the happy faces. 

 Sometimes I have them use sound phones while I am working with one of the other students. (What did I do before I purchased those????)

I have each student in the group working on a different page.  This adds variety to the group and they can listen to each other read without memorizing what the said and just repeating it.
As a bonus there are even pre and post assessment pages included and a teacher tracking page.

For my own use I copied the pages I wanted for the next few weeks and prepared this supply teacher directions page ... because you just never know.  I put it in my group guided reading bin and now it's ready to go.

 If you would like to read more about this product head on over to Second Grade Sugar and Spice.  you won't be disappointed!  I couldn't help but notice this is Pack #1 - I'll be anxiously awaiting the sequel!

On another note, Karla over at Life in Special Education has put together an AMAZING collection of "Tried and True" resources.  There are over $160.00 worth of resources that can be yours for a $25 donation.  All proceeds will be used to help a young boy named Cole, the son of a teacher who is putting up a courageous fight against brain cancer.  You can read more about Cole by clicking on the picture.

Please consider helping Cole and his family.