Top Ten Sight Word Games

A sight word is a high-frequency word commonly found in printed material that children are encouraged to read without phonetic decoding. We created
Er-u-di-tion, a sight word game, to assist emergent readers become fluent readers. Through extensive research studies, Dr. Edward Fry developed sight word lists as well as ideas on how to teach these words to emergent readers.

Methods for teaching sight words vary among teachers, children and parents. Dr Fry stated, “Any method that works is a good method.” Dr. Fry created his first list in the mid 1990s and revised his list, with assistance from Jacqueline Kress and Dona Fountoukidis, a few years later. We created free sight word games using their top 25 instant words, which represent approximately one-third of all printed material. Following in David Letterman’s footsteps, we compiled a list of top ten sight word games.

10. Sight word spelling bee

Using Fry’s instant words list, conduct a good old fashioned spelling contest.

9. Sight word sentence contest

Depending upon reading readiness, this game can be played either written or orally. Using the instant words list, select a word and have each player write or speak a sentence. Award points for the silliest, happiest or most unbelievable sentence.

8. Sight word flash cards

Using Fry’s instant words list, write each word on its own index card. The parent or educator flashes the card for the player to read instantly. Another approach is to have the emergent reader shuffle the cards and then read them aloud. Using Er-u-di-tion’s sight word game cards, we gradually introduced sight words to our youngest child. We started with ten cards and gradually increased the number as she began to instantly recognize them. Every child progresses differently so a different approach may be necessary for each player.

7. Sight word pairs

A card game similar to “go fish” except each player needs a pair instead of four cards. The player with the most pairs wins the game. If a player is not able to read his sight word, the player may ask any other player how to read the sight word. Pairs work well using Fry’s 25 top instant words. Click here for everything you will need to play sight words pairs.

6. Sight word bingo

Played like regular bingo except the bingo cards contain 25 sight words instead of numbers. When the sight word is called players put a marker over that word on their bingo card. A player calls out bingo once they make a diagonal, vertical or horizontal line with the markers on their bingo card. Click here for everything you will need to play sight words bingo.

5. Sight words search

Using the instant 25 word list, write the sight words horizontally, vertically or diagonally on a grid or graph paper, putting one letter in each block. Fill in the open spaces with any letter. When a player finds a sight word, they circle it. Click here for everything you will need to play sight words search.

4. Sight word concentration

Using Fry’s top 25 instant words list, write each word on an index card. Remember that cards must be in duplicates or pairs. Shuffle the cards and then spread them out randomly. The first player selects two cards. If they match the player keeps them and goes again by turning over two more cards. If they do not match the player puts them back in the exact same place and her turn is over. The object of the game is to accumulate the most pairs.

3. Computer-aided instruction

Use a computer to assist an emergent reader to learn sight words. You can purchase games from a retailer or use the internet to find websites that provide sight word computer games. Visit your school’s website as they typically provide instructional material for their students.

2. Sight word board games

Using a poster board, create a path and make one-inch spaces. Write a sight word in each space. Players advance in the game by moving the number of spaces as determined by rolling a die. Players must correctly identify the word in the space. Depending upon the player’s reading readiness, upon landing on the sight word the player can define the word and/or use it in a sentence.

1. Er-u-di-tion

If you would rather play with your child or student than spend the time making a game, we have the perfect solution! Er-u-di-tion is a professionally manufactured sight word game that exposes players to both phonics and sight words while providing an entertaining atmosphere that children, parents and educators are sure to enjoy.

The game cards are color coded so children of various reading levels can play together. The blue cards, which are ideal for pre-school children, include an upper and lower case letter with words emphasizing that letter’s basic phonetic sound. The green, yellow, and red cards contain beginner, intermediate and advanced level sight words.

In addition, each sight word card contains a definition and syllabication to assist emergent readers in comprehension and pronunciation. Playing Er-u-di-tion provides emergent readers many of the skills necessary to become fluent readers.