Children Can Learn to Read with Flash Card Games

Children learning to read often struggle with the most common words in the English language because these words do not follow the phonics structure shared by most other words. Sounding out words can also be tiring. Mastery of the most common words (often referred to as "Dolch" words) can speed reading time and increase confidence. But flash cards can soon frustrate the active learner. How to keep sight word learning lively and fun and master that word list at the same time? Play some learning games!

Start by obtaining a list of typical sight words. A web search for "Dolch" words will result in lists sorted by usage, grade level, or an alphabetical list. Start with words appropriate to your child's ability. Write each word on an index card. These cards can be reused in many different games.

Sight Word Hide-and-Seek: Begin with a few simple words, no more than three. Show your child the words and review them. Encourage your child to count or say the ABC's with closed eyes while you quickly place the words in visible areas of the room. Then, call out the first word and wait while your child inspects each word to find the appropriate card. Repeat. Why it works: While searching, the child is mentally repeating the word you called out , then checking visually while moving around the room. This taps into the child's audial, visual, and kinesthetic learning abilities. Increase the difficulty with more words or more challenging words but remember to keep pace with your child's abilities.