Sight Word Spectacular

Sight Word Spectacular

As mentioned before, Kirby believes that teaching sight words and phonetics together is the best way to set kids up for a future of reading well. In this post, we'll cover some sight word games to play and the words to use when making these games.

When making your own sight word cards, it is important for us to start by mentioning that young eyes need the sight words written very largely (1-2 inches high). The muscles of young eyes are learning how to focus on things. Another helpful tip is to write mainly in lower case letters on pieces of cardboard or another sturdy card paper. 

In choosing which words to begin with, use the names of family members including the child's name with upper and lower case letters. Write the child's name, then Mama (use upper and lower case m with Mama to make it easier), and the names of others who are around a lot. Once these are written on a card, lay them out on the table and pick them up several times throughout the day and say the word that is on the card. Depending on the child's level of interest, this will take varying amounts of time to stick with them- they will learn in their own time. This is a no-pressure, fun way to learn. Eventually, they will say the word before you when they see which one you are about to pick up and then you'll know they have it. This is when you add a new word to the table, keeping the first word in the mix, and so on.

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Reading to Your Wiggly Preschooler

You've heard that reading to your children is important for their eventual success in school and in life. But your preschooler just won't sit still to listen to you read!

In order to have success at reading to your little ones, you need to have the right goals for your reading time. For infants, reading is about hearing the intonation of your voice. They aren't going anywhere, and they don't understand the words, so you can read whole sections from your own books if you want.

Once your baby starts getting busy, reading is about vocabulary building. Vocabulary for babies and toddlers is all about nouns. At this age, you should be looking at board books together and naming only one object per page. No adjectives—just "ball," "truck," or "book." They need to understand names of objects before you add colors, shapes, or sizes to those objects. Your toddler will want to turn pages himself—let him. If he wants to turn pages backwards or skip pages, let him. You are not teaching sequence right now, you are just teaching words.

Even with this very simple style of reading, your little one may only last for three pages. It is important not to force him to sit still for more. Instead, try to very gradually stretch his attention span. If you names three objects this time, see if he will pay attention to four next time. Make sure your tone of voice communicates excitement. Sometimes allowing your child to hold a toy or comfort item will encourage him to sit still longer.
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