Hi everyone! I am avoiding cleaning the house. We may or may not have friends coming over after we go out to eat with them. I feel like the house should be clean, just in case, but I am procrastinating. I almost NEVER procrastinate on classroom “to do” lists but when it comes to cleaning my house, I’m the worst. I should probably start a “to do” list on what I need to clean but I think I’ll do it later. 🙂
Do you have a Sight Word Take Home program? It’s huge in our school and begins in Kindergarten. My original version came from Susan and Christina (thanks, girls!) but has been revised on several occasions because our District changes its mind quite a bit. I love the take home part of this – it’s a joint effort. You can do all kinds of rewards. My kids earn gold tags (my behavior management plan) when they pass a new list. I used to have parent volunteers listen to the kids who brought back lists, but then the parents became competitive and I had to stop. (lots of “did you know that so-and-so is ONLY on List such-and-such? OR did you know that so-and-so is ALREADY on List such-and-such?). SO! When my class size went up, I needed help! I was stressed for time to hear the kids read the lists that they had brought back. So last year I had a 6th grade student (she used to be in my class) come on her lunch recess to do it. SHE LOVED IT. HER MOM LOVED IT. MY KIDS LOVED IT. MY PRINCIPAL LOVED IT. I LOVED IT. I will continue that this year!! 🙂
Here’s a sample:
I have an introduction letter and I assess kids before P.I.N. so that I can have each child’s individual list in their packet.
If I have a kid (or two or three) that can READ all of the sight words, then I send home a letter requesting that they learn how to spell them as a challenge. Also, when students finish reading all of the lists, I send home the challenge letter.
I keep the lists in hanging file folders all nestled inside of a cute crate. I wish I could take a picture of it but it’s at school. It’s very organized with little tabbed dividers for each list. I also have a cute little basket with a label (sight words) and students know to put their list in it when they bring one back. That way, they are not chasing me around the room (that drives me crazy!) or asking to read the words to me. They know that once it is in the basket, either my student helper or I will get to them some time that day.
If you are interested in this at all, you can check it out {HERE}.
Do you do something similar? Please share! 🙂
I guess I should go clean. But first, I may look at a blog or two . . .
Happy Saturday!
I love, love love reading your blog! You STILL inspire me to be better (even over summer vacay) I love watching your group of followers get bigger! xoxo, Christina
Thanks for sharing your sight word program. Our first grade teachers do something similar (I teach Kdg). I'm anxious to see if I can incorporate this, too. I am always looking for additional sight word activities and I love the home school connection this one has!
Thanks again!
What a great resource, thank you!
Wow that's such a great idea!
I am tutoring my nephew who had a rough Grade 1 year. Thank you for making this available. He (and I) thank you!
I love this! We do not have a take home sight word program in our school or district, but I will definitely try this next year. Thanks!
I just have to tell you that it's now midnight and in addition to doing some other things tonight, I worked on tweaking your letter to parents. I am SO excited to implement this program in my class this year. I also realize that it's a Saturday night in the middle of the summer and this qualifies me as either a very good teacher, a super nerd, or both. So, thanks for that. Also, at least I was watching a movie with my husband while doing this so I am not a complete loser. =)
Seriously though, thanks again, I really appreciate people like you in the blogosphere because I am the only K teacher in my school and have no real colleagues to come up with great ideas like this!
Wow!! I can't believe I am just now finding your blog. What a darling blog and full of such resources!! We are currently revamping what we do for sight words this coming week. So when we are done I will check back with you. Just became a new follower and added you to our blog roll!!
BusyBees
I love the home school connection with this. Do you happen to know how this compares with the 100 instant words or the Frye list?
I love your blog and all of your resources. I have a friend who is just starting out in first grade after teaching K for about 30 years. I'm sure this will be very helpful for her also.
I teach kinder and love this sight word program – thank you for sharing! Also, great blog – you inspire me!
I teach a grades 1 and 2 combination. Wow! This is just what I needed. Thank you:-)
Thank you for your great ideas and downloads! You are so generous and I laugh so much at your remarks! I wish I taught with you- I would be laughing to myself all day at your funny observations.
I love this! I couldn't get List S to show up though. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Jennifer