Sight Word Shake

Learning sight words is an important component of a balanced approach to literacy. Although recognizing sight words alone does not necessarily mean a child is “reading”, it certainly helps with his/her reading fluency (the speed, accuracy, and proper inflection one uses while reading).

This Sight Word Shake activity is one that can be used by parents and teachers alike. It makes a wonderful game to play while a parent prepares dinner and could also be used for transitional time in the classroom. I used Dolch’s Top 100 Sight Words List (taken directly from my eBook I Can Teach My Child to Read: A 10-Step Guide for Parents).

Here’s what you’ll need: an empty bottle or container (ours was a plastic vitamin bottle) and the List of Top 100 Sight Words (printed on cardstock and cut). If you want to add the label to your bottle, you’ll also want some clear packing tape to attach it to the container.

1. Print off the Top 100 Sight Word List on cardstock.

2. Cut the columns into strips.

3. Then cut each individual word and place it into your container.

Play the game: Shake the container and then dump out several of the sight word pieces onto a flat surface. Have your child read the words that fall face-up only. The words that are face-down do not have to be read. Put all the sight word pieces back and do it again!