Teaching Your Child Sight Words: A Quick Guide for Parent

What Are Sight Words?

Sight words are commonly used words that young readers are encouraged to recognize without sounding out (like the, was, said, come, you). Mastering these builds reading speed and confidence.

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Tips to Teach Sight Words Effectively

1. Word Hunt at Home

Write sight words on index cards and tape them around the house—on the fridge, bedroom doors, mirrors. Say them together when you pass by. Move them around every few days so your child doesn’t just memorize the location.

2. Use Repetition, But Make It Fun

Sight word bingo, flashcards, or digital games (like Sight Words by TeachMonster or Starfall) help reinforce words in a fun way.

3. Tap into Creativity

Let your child:

• Paint sight words

• Use playdough to form them

• Write them in shaving cream or sand 

These sensory activities make learning stick.

4. Read Aloud Together

Pick early reader books filled with sight words and read daily. Point out sight words on the page and take turns reading them aloud.

5. Build Words with Magnetic Letters

Use the fridge or a metal baking sheet for word-building. Say the word, spell it together, then mix up the letters and have your child rebuild it.

6. Make it Personal

Incorporate family names, pets, or favorite things using sight words. For example: I see Max. Max is big. Max can run.

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Quick Sight Word Practice Routine (5-10 minutes daily)

1. Review 3–5 known words.

2. Introduce 1–2 new words.

3. Play a quick game or do a fun activity.

4. Read a short sentence with the words.

Remember, teaching sight words doesn’t have to feel like a chore—it can be an exciting bonding experience filled with laughter, creativity, and pride in progress. Every “I got it!” moment builds your child’s confidence and strengthens their reading foundation. Be patient, celebrate the small wins, and remember: the goal is not just memorization, but helping your child fall in love with reading.

SIGHT WORD CHECKLIST FILE

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