Build sight word knowledge with beginning and intermediate English learners to strengthen literacy and language skills.
Sight words are important part of reading, but out of context, English learners may have difficulties in understanding the meaning behind these words. Depending on students’ language proficiency, I highly recommend adding meaningful context to the sight words being taught.As for resources, I use a variety and I’m always changing it up.
I often pick out sight words from our weekly small group reading instruction. As we move on to new books, I’ll spiral back and review the ones we’ve learned.
Sometimes I add an activity for additional reinforcement and practice, especially for my primary students.
I like using this resource with my primary ELs.
Recently, I created Irregular Sight Word Activities for ESL & Big Kids to meet the needs of my older upper elementary English learners in 5th and 6th grade.
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I start with SET 1 and we work our way up. There are 5 sets in all with each set including a PowerPoint with 20 irregular sight words used in context with visual supports. I use the PowerPoint as an introduction to the new set. On each slide I say the sight word, then they say the word and read the short sentence for context.
At the end of the presentation there’s a fun “Fast Words” game which my students love to play.
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A sight words booklet is also included. For flexibility, there’s a digital and printable format to choose from. I like to project the digital version for modeling, especially when I’m working with my newcomers, and my students each have a printable version.
I print the cover page, plus all 20 worksheet activities front to back and then staple in the top let corner. Since it’s a half page format, I cut along the center line and now I have two booklets!
We are using it as a “warm-up” activity for the first 5 minutes of my ELD lesson. It works out great and my students really enjoy it. Pre and post assessments are also included.
No matter which activities you incorporate into your instruction, sight words are the glue that hold sentences together. Not only is it important for beginning ELs to be able to read sight words, but also to understand their meaning. Hearing them, reading them, using them and writing them are what makes the glue sticky (pardon the analogy).
To read about a highly effective ELD lesson planning format, check out this post!
