This blog post aims to assist in letter/sound correspondence and high-frequency word practice at home. With the most common sound for each letter already learned, our class will start whole group high frequency word instruction and progress through various word lists to learn additional letter sounds and spelling patterns. This is one of the key components of building a strong foundation for reading.

Each student’s high-frequency word instruction is personalized through individualized assessment, small group sessions, and at-home practice. Here is the list  of our Sight/Heart Words.

This week in Friday Folders, each student has their first list to use at home. Please return the list, signed by an adult, when your child is ready to be reassessed. I only assess and assign new word lists on Fridays (however, feel free to return it any day of the week). Below are ideas for supporting your child in practice at home.

Letter/Sound Correspondence:

For students that need support with letter/sound correspondence, pay special attention to the pronunciation of the sound while you’re practicing at home. Be careful not to add vowel sounds to the consonants (for example, B represents /b/ not “buh”). All of the ideas below for word practice can also be used for letter/sound practice!

High-Frequency Words:

When practicing words, we want to emphasize the sound to letter connection.  A good way to start is by mapping the word into sound boxes (learn more from Reading Rockets).  Sounds that are irregularly spelled or uncommon are marked with a “heart” on your sight word cards.  The other sounds follow common or previously taught letter/sound relationships.  Although mapping the word can be as simple as a piece of paper and a pencil, there are lots of other fun ways!

• Playdough – form a dough ball for each sound in the word. Smash it as you make the sound, then write the letters underneath.

• Cars – use a toy car for each sound. “Park it” in the parking spot on the sound box as you make the sound. Write the letters underneath.

• Gems/pebbles/stones/etc – using a small token of some kind for each sound, move it up into the sound box as you make the sound. Write the letters underneath.

• Food – small snacks such as cereal, goldfish, m&m’s, etc. can also be used to represent each sound. Move the snack into the sound box as you make the sound. Write the letters underneath.

• Fidget Popper – Push down a circle on your fidget popper for each sound you hear in the word. Write the word into a sound box.

• Whole Body – Use hula hoops, chalk, tape, etc. to demarcate sound boxes on your floor.  Hop from one space to the next to represent each sound. Write the letters to represent each sound.

After you’ve mapped the word, use the flashcards for extra practice. The more senses you can activate while practicing, the better! Again, emphasize the letter/sound connection and encourage increased fluency through repetition and practice (not memorization). Here are some ideas:

• Tactile tracing: shaving cream, salt tray, sandpaper, playdough, stick and dirt, q-tips on a paint bag, paintbrush with water on construction paper

• Stamps, magnet letters, scrabble tiles

• Scented markers

• Sky writing

Here are some more game ideas:

• Roll It: Use a piece of paper, die, and something to write with.  Roll the die and write your sight word that many times.  Say the sound for each letter(s) as you write it. Repeat for each word on your list.

• Flashlight Word Hunt: Write your sight words on flash cards or pieces of paper and tape them around the room.  Turn off the lights and use a flashlight to find and read your words!

• Magic Elbow: Get out your magic finger (pointer finger of dominant hand) and write it on your magic elbow (forearm).

• Hide and Seek: Write your sight words on flash cards and ask someone to hide them for you. Countdown from ten, and then go find and read them!

• Hopscotch: Using flashcards (or chalk outside) make a path of sight words.  Read your words as you jump from word to word!

• Tac-Toe-Tic: Similar to tic-tac-toe, except using sight words! Each player chooses a word and uses it to mark their spot.

• Typing Practice: Type your sight words on a document using a computer or tablet.

• Fancy Words:  Use special pens or add swirls and curls to your letters to make them fancy!

• Magic Painting: Use a white crayon to write your sight words.  Paint over them with watercolor paint and watch them appear!