High-frequency words are often called “sight words.” This term refers to learning the words through memorization. The most common words used in the classroom are the Dolch List, Fry Instant Words, or words selected from stories in the reading program. Teachers regularly teach these words using flash cards in small groups or during whole group instruction.  Usually, teachers send these words home for students to practice and memorize.

My favorite way of teaching high frequency words is by creating PowerPoint presentations where I illustrate these words on each slide. This method is fun and engaging for my students. As I present a slide that shows the word of the day, if the word is not decodable, the spelling pattern is explained to students.  In my experience, the optimal strategy for learning high frequency words is integrating them into phonics lessons. The rationale for this is that this way allows students to learn the spelling patterns for these words in a way that makes sense.

When we restructure the way we teach high frequency words, it benefits all students. If you would like to add engagement to your high frequency words teaching, feel free to check out the resources below. Your students will learn their sight words in no time!