four engaging ways to teach sight words

When I realized 3 of my 2nd graders had sight word IEP goals, I slightly died inside. Sight words? But… they are SO boring to teach. I wasn’t thrilled to say the least.

I’m one of those teachers who has to have fun teaching in order to teach well. I refuse to talk for long periods of times and I try to get kids up and moving as much as possible. I am always on the pursuit to find what clicks for my students. This year, it came earlier than usual once I turned my literacy group into a mini-pe class. I’m just trying to help grow healthy kids who love reading– you do what you gotta do!

These are my students favorite fun and engaging ways to learn sight words!

i spy the ransom note

materials

-alphabet in different fonts + colors
-sheets of paper cut in half
-glue
-scissors

around the classroom

materials

-sight words on 8.5 x 11 paper
-a ball 

directions

I will typically have my kids go to different corners of the room, wait until I say go, and then read + throw! 

slap-a-word

materials

-sight words on 8.5 x 11 paper
-fly swatters

directions

I have the kids lay the words out on the ground all around the room. Next, they choose a word to start with. When I say go, they will read the word first + then slap it! They love this activity. 

word wall ball

materials

–sight words on 8.5 x 11 paper
-a ball 

directions 

Tape the words outside + either read and throw a ball at the wall or kids can do jumping jacks and then touch the word. I have done it different ways. 

resources + products

free sight word posters + flash cards —> here
fly swatters —> here
favorite paper —> here
balls to toss —> here

happy reading!

with kindness | ashley