Being able to recall sight words automatically will help to build your child's independence and confidence while reading. Below are ways that you can help your child master their sight words at home. 

-          Write each word on two index cards.  Turn the index cards face down.  Play a game of memory.

-          Have your child write their sight words with chalk on the driveway.

-          Using alphabet pretzels, encourage your child to use the letters to spell his/her sight words.  This will be a tasty snack!

-          Have your child create and spell sight words using playdough.

-          Squirt shaving cream on a flat surface.  Using their finger, encourage your child to write his/her sight words in the shaving cream!

-          Paper Plate Toss: Write sight words on paper plates.  Use like Frisbees to throw after reading the word.

-          Go Fish: With a duplicate set of words, play “Go Fish”.

-          Word-O: This is played just like BINGO.  Fill in a card with the words that you are working on.  Call out the words and mark the spaces.  The first one with a card covered calls out the word “WORD-O”!

-          Word Hunt: Look for sight words in books or in the newspaper.  If using the newspaper, your child can highlight or circle the sight words.

-          SNAP: Write sight words on index cards and place them into a jar.  Write the word “SNAP” on a blank index card.  Allow your child to take the words out of the jar.  If your child can say the word automatically, then he/she can keep the card.  If they struggle with saying the word quickly, they have to put the word back into the jar.  If your child draws the “SNAP” card, he/she has to put all the cards they have collected back into the jar.  This is a fun game to play with siblings or friends.

-          Play Coin Toss: Put words on the floor.  Have your child toss a coin onto a word and say that word.

-          Tic-Tac-Toe: Write words in the tic-tac-toe spaces.  Take turns selecting a space to read.  If read correctly, mark an X or an O until someone wins.

-          Play “Who Am I?”: For example, “I rhyme with bed.  I have three letters.  I end with the letter “d”.

-          Flashlight words: Turn off the lights.  Tape words on the wall or ceiling.  Have your child use the flashlight to shine on the word & then read it.

-          Have your child make his/her own word wall at home. 

-          Beat the clock: How many times can your child write a word in 1 minute?

-          Play Stepping Stones: Place words on the floor.  Have your child walk over them saying the words as they go. 

-          Encourage your child to make words using Scrabble pieces or letter tiles.

-          Encourage your child to make words using stencils, alphabet stamps, or magnetic letters.