Today is rung 5 of 13 on this topic
The first sight words
Can do: Reads the highest-frequency words — the, is, was, said, you, they — instantly, without sounding them out.
Why it matters
These few dozen words are half of everything on a page, and most of them break the phonics rules. Instant recognition frees the brain to decode the words that matter.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
Sounds out "the" letter by letter every single time, which drains all the energy needed for the rest of the sentence.
⏱️ Two-minute check
Write: the, is, and, you, said, was. Point at each and count to two in your head.
Solid looks like: Five of six, instantly. Any word they have to sound out isn't a sight word yet.
The full activity for this topic · 5 minutes
Word Wall Splat
- 1Write six sight words on sticky notes and stick them low on a wall.
- 2Call a word. They splat it and read it aloud.
- 3Play it fast and physically — this is a game, not a drill.
- 4Take one word down when it's automatic and add a new one. Never more than six up at once.
- 5Hunt for those same words in a real book afterwards so they meet them in the wild.
If it's too hard
Three words, very different shapes — the, you, and.
If it's too easy
Read the word inside a sentence you've written, so it has to hold up in context.
Say this
"This one you just have to know by its face. It's a heart word — learn it by heart."