Sight Words.

We will provide and check weekly, or in response to the children's enthusiasm  5 new key words. These are

• words the children should recognise on sight (ie as an immediate reflex without any recourse to sounding out)
• taken from a list that includes the 42 words most used in sentences within the children's vocabulary (so both red and green)
• will be easier for some than others (due to individual child's learning preference) but when the skill is mastered will add a further dimension to the children's reading.
• Can easily be reproduced in different fonts, colours, sizes etc to make up fun games to help children to learn
• Will lay good foundations for future success as a good speller if done inn a focussed and methodical way at this stage.

Organisation

The organisation of the key words is designed with to appeal to the children's interest in collecting, sorting using and applying, and their sense of ownership, but whilst they are getting used to becoming proactive in their learning they may need support from yourselves to ensure the words are returned to bags in the appropriate bags after they have been used, and are therefore available for a check at any time, which should then only take seconds.

 We have sent home a zipped wallet containing the first 5 words your child has been challenged to read on sight.

When we are satisfied the children know the new words they will be checked off, and can be used to create sentences. This will ensure they are internalised. If the words are learned within a week and the children are keen to have more, please use the speed word chart in the back of the dittie books (which will be coming home at the end of this week) as a first port of call for extra words.If your child finds that they can do this activity easily ( and are actively seeking more challenges), spend extra time writing the words to ensure flowing handwriting. Correctly joined letter strings (eg ing) can promote good spelling.

We will move onto year 1 and 2 lists if and when appropriate.