Building sight word fluency is so important to students and their reading. I like to practice sight words in many ways to keep it fun and fresh for the students. One great way is to use the PowerPoint from above on the Smartboard as a whole group activity and just run through the slides. The pictures are cute and engaging. You could also use it on an individual computer as a literacy center. Some people like to print out slides and create a class book to be read during free time. Or you can even print it out for individual books for students to keep at their desk or to send home for practice. This is the first in a series of PowerPoints that cover the Dolch sight Words.
Did you ever play Concentration as a kid? The more popular name now is The Memory Game. But I played Concentration all the time as a kid. We played with a deck of 52 cards and spread them all out.
I have noticed that a lot of the students who come to me do not seem to have ever played this game. So sad… for several reasons. One- Concentration builds memory skills. Many struggling readers are lacking memory skills. Play Memory with them and you will see what I mean. They will repeatedly go to the same cards almost as if they are expecting a different word to appear there instead of the one that they saw there the past 2 times they already chose that card! Struggling readers need to build that memory up for reading skills. Two- games like Memory build thinking skills. Students who have no experience with Memory tend to not use strategies as they play.
I like to have my students play Memory with sight words to kill two birds with one stone so to speak! ๐ They get practice reading sight words with fluency while building their memory skills and strategic thinking at the same time. We play a few different ways. One is the old fashioned way with cards on the floor. We discuss how our brains like patterns and organization best when learning so we place the cards in nice neat rows.
Another fun way to change it up a bit is on the Smartboard. This is one site that I found that was good as it had games with several cards for older students and games with less cards for the younger ones.
I loved playing Memory as a kid. I can see how this would be a great way to motivate kids to practice sight words. They think they are just playing a game, but you know they are learning as well. Thanks for sharing the websites. I will check them out.
Connie:)
http://www.welcometofirstgraderoom5.blogspot.com
These are great! Those websites will come in handy!
Jennifer
kindertrips
I will add these sites to my list. I don't have a smartboard, but I do have four computers in my room that kids use. My kids enjoy the memory games.
โ Tammy
Forever in First
I loved memory and still do. I agree that many kids have never played it. Thanks for sharing this post. ๐
Erica
Sprinkles to Kindergarten
I still make memory/concentration games all the time for both word work and math games. My students love them! Thanks for sharing these sites.
Storie
Stories by Storie
I loved concentration as a kid! I am already seeing lots of possibilities for the pocket chart! Numbers, ten frames, add and subtract, letters, sight words…the possibilities are endless!
Love your blog! I'm your newest follower. If you have a chance, check out my new "manly" teaching blog!
Greg
http://Www.kindergartensmorgasboard.blogspot.com
I agree that struggling readers typically have very poor memory skills. I've tried playing memory with some of my students, and they consistently pick the same cards over and over. I love the online ones you posted. I'll definitely put those in my list of things to use this coming year.
Angelia
Extra Special Teaching
Thanks Connie! I loved Memory too!
Thank you Jennifer! I hope you can use the websites!
Tammy, I am sorry to hear that you don't have a Smartboard. But your students will love it on the computer too! Thanks for always coming by!
Erica, I agree- Memory is a lot of fun. I wish more kids played it at home these days! Thanks!
Storie, I love hearing that you use Memory for word work and math!! So fun! Thanks!
Thank you so much, Greg! I appreciate your comment and following me. I had already discovered your great blog and already follow you. ๐
Angelia, that is so true about them picking the same cards over and over! Definitely can tell right away who has played Memory and who hasn't. I wish more played this game at home. Thanks!
We play Concentration a lot. I never thought of looking for games on my Smart Board. Thanks!
โBarbaraโ
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers Blog Designs
We love Concentration, Barbara! I think my students love both the old fashioned kind on the floor with cards as well as on the Smartboard. ๐
I really like this idea! Thanks for sharing ๐ I need more ideas for the smart board station so this is great!
Mrs. S, thanks so much! The kids really do enjoy it.
My favorite game too! Thanks for the links. I think it is a great use for the SmartBoard!
Sandi
Literacy Minute
Thanks Sandi! I played Concentration all the time as a kid and loved it. ๐
I am your newest follower!! I just created some concentration games and posted them on TPT! I hope you'll check out my new "manly" kindergarten blog!
I teach in an inner city school so I am excited to stalk your blog and gain ideas for helping my struggling students!
Greg
Smedley's Smorgasboard of Kindergarten
Thank you Greg! I do follow your great blog. ๐ Thanks for visiting tonight!