Flex: Multi-Sensory Sight Words for 1st Graders

Units 1 - 3 (of 14) 

During this four week course, students will use multiple multi-sensory techniques to help them memorize the spelling of sight words each week. Learners will be engaged with one another and be able to share their work as they learn to read, write, and spell the words of the week. Each week, learners will be introduced to six words. The teacher will post videos demonstrating various multi-sensory methods for studying the words. Activities will include dice games, play-doh, painting, writing, and hand motions. Learners will be able to complete all work within one day, or choose to spread it out over the course of a few days. Learners will have a menu to choose from as they complete their weekly tasks to study their word list each week. Learners will also be asked to share pictures of their creative designs to demonstrate mastery of the words. Learners may also share videos of them performing the techniques practiced in class. As learners review the work of the peers, they will be able to provide compliments and praise while continue to reinforce their learning. Discussions via posts in the classroom will also be initiated by the teacher for learners to respond to with pictures or short sentences, as developmentally appropriate. Students will be asked to respond to questions via discussion boards using their words in sentences in either written (typed or handwritten) or video format to share with other learners in the class. Learners will be encouraged to respond to each other to increase the practice of writing and reading sight words. 

Sight words are also known as red words, high frequency words, or popcorn words. You often find them on a classroom word wall. These words do not follow typical English spelling patterns, so students benefit from memorizing these words. 

This interactive class is designed for kindergarten students, but is appropriate for all early readers. This summer, the course would be helpful for students about to enter Kindergarten, or rising first graders who still need reinforcement on learning sight words. These research based audio, visual and kinesthetic strategies have been helpful for struggling readers and students with learning differences (especially ADHD and dyslexia). 

Week 1  the, a, and, his, is 
Week 2  of, as, has, to, into 
Week 3  we, he, she, be, me 
Week 4  or, for, you, your, I