Dolch Words, Printable Memory Game Group 1a

Sight words, Fry words, high frequency words, dolch words. Call them what you might, sight words are very important for young learners when learning to read. According to linguists they enhance reading skills and fluency and give learners the confidence they need in the target language. The fact that they constitute up to 75% of any written text for children is indicative of their importance. For instance you will be surprised to hear that the ten most frequent words in English are the following:

1. the 

2. be 

3. to

4. of

5. and

6. a

7. in

8. that

9. have

10. I 

For years sight words have been taught in schools as part of L1 reading programmes. Recently linguists interested in Second Language Acquisition have shown renewed interest in those magic words that can make or break a child's relationship with reading. (Nation (2001), Coxhead (2000)). All is good in theory, but how does one incorporate these words into their everyday teaching regime? According to Mikulecky sight words should be taught explicitly and their importance should be stressed to the students. This is easier when dealing with high school children. In primary education one definitely has to put some icing on that cake. 

Song and Rhythm
Music and rhythm have been known to enhance acquisition and memory. Use songs so your students can remember the words more efficiently. There are many songs online that one can use. I like this one by Harry Kindergarten Music:

Online Games 

Online games are not so much used as a teaching method as a reinforcement. I prefer my students to read or play in their free time but we don't always get what we want. These educational games offer valuable practice opportunities, while the children think they are just playing online. Remember never to leave a child unnatended when they are online. 

1. Interactive Sites

2. Sight Word Games by education.com

3. abcYA

4. starfall

5. fun for the brain 

My favourite of all though, are the games that you can make with your students or children at home, and play with them. I like making my own materials, so here it comes. The first 100 hundred Fry words Printable Memory Game in two fonts. Just print two sets of the cards and play away! 

Group 1a black and white trace

Group 1a black and white abc bulletin

   

You can also print these cards and use them to play Bang! 

For more printables on dolch words visit the dolch words section.