Why Should Students Master Sight Words?

     I must admit, I never really thought about the importance of a child "mastering" their sight words. I took it for granted that sight words are something that kids just innately know... okay, not innately but pretty darn close! As I reflected on the end of this semester, I focused on three areas -

• self
• my pedagogy
• what my students need more of to be successful  

     I checked off the first two boxes (to be discussed later) and laser focused on my students and what they needed. I have an amazing class filled with a rainbow of personalities and abilities. They tackle most assignments with a zeal that only 7 and 8 year-olds can have. Sometimes in their zest, they forget that little things are important. That brings me back to the beginning, sights words are an area where some of my students really struggle. They seem to ignore that these words require memorization in order to spell them correctly. I assumed that as the year progressed this area would organically improve with input from me. It has not been the case. So I started doing some research. I'm sure you know the basics:

• sight words account for up to 75% of the words used in early readers
• most sight words do not follow the basic phonics principles, they can't be sounded out
• the first 100 sight words represent over 50% of English text
• sight words build the foundation for reading comprehension and writing fluency 

     When a student recognizes his/her sight words with proficiency, their reading and writing confidence sky rockets! My goal is to ensure that each of my struggling students become sight word experts by the end of the year. I searched for sight word practice sheets and activities to get me started, however, most of those focused on beginning learners. I didn't want my students to feel that their skills were somehow inadequate. You know me... I created sight word packets for my students! So far, I have four resources. One each for grades 1-3 and a sight word bundle. In my class we are starting with 2nd grade sight words and moving either up or down from there. First I looked at their sight word data and created individual plans for each student who needs additional practice. In some cases I introduce the word in guided reading with one of my practice sheets and they finish it for seat work follow-up. Celebrations are important no matter how small. So each student has a check list to circle words as they are mastered.

Take a look at at what we've done so far. Also, check out a sample of my Sight Resource on my FREEBIE page.

The practice sheets can be made into a student booklet.

...working on sight words during guided reading (ignore the bagel).

Sight Word Practice Sheet

Celebrating Dr. King

     A few weeks ago, I embarked on the arduous task of teaching my 2nd grade students about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Being that the civil rights movement was 50 years ago, most of my students didn't know about it or Dr. King. They don't understand that true freedom was just a fleeting word to many African Americans and people of color. In order to get them to understand, I found myself starting with slavery and teaching over 300 years of American history in just under two hours. The impact was powerful. Students asked tons of thoughtful questions and reflected on how their lives might be different if Dr. King never existed.

     As a result of their eagerness to learn more, I created a TpT resource that focuses on Dr. King's life and his contributions to our world. To participate in a Day of Service on January 15, my students made cards for people in our school and/or community who makes their days better and easier. The results were amazing! Some students made 5 cards or more. Of course... we had to deliver them all.

A collage of our Day of Service Cards

He was so pensive when reading about Mr. King!

Below is the Dr. Martin Luther King resource that I created. I included a "think about it question" on each page of his biography, a character trait graphic organizer, a KWL chart and a Day of Service card templates. When you get a moment, check it out and let me know what you think.

Dr. Martin Luther King's Dream

Have the best day possible!