Sight Words

Sight words, often also called high frequency words, are commonly used words that young children need to be able to recognize ON SIGHT. This means quickly within 3 seconds of seeing it. This pertains to reading these words quickly, not writing them that quickly.

PRACTICE your sight words with games:

  • Your Pile/ My Pile directions:

~With whatever list you are working on, go through the words

~If she knows the word it goes into her pile, if she doesn’t it goes into your pile

~Only give her 3-4 seconds to read the word and then tell her and put it in your pile- NO SOUNDING OUT! These need to be fast! If they don't get it just give it to them! This should be FUN!!

~Count each pile and see who wins-usually it is the child but I'm pretty competitive so they really have to earn it!.

~Play 3-4 times

~I usually put the newer words in the pile a few times so if they don't get it the first time- they get it the 2nd or 3rd.

~Use only 10-15 words.


  • Make an extra set of cards and play MEMORY
  • Scavenger Hunt- hide sight word cards around the house and have them find them and read them
  • Play WAR with an extra set of cards
  • Make a BINGO board
  • GO FISH!!
  • Flashlight words: tape words up- turn of the lights and use the flashlight to read the words
  • Make words with play-doh
  • Write words in shaving cream, salt, sugar, etc
  • Write words on window with an expo (dry-erase) marker- if writing have them say it as they are writing it