I prefer to use the Fry word lists because they are the 1,000 most commonly used words listed in order of frequency in text. In 1996, Dr. Edward B. Fry expanded on the Dolch word lists and research.
The first 25 words make up approximately 1/3 of all published items. The first 100 words make up 1/4 and the first 300 words make up 65% of all written material.
In kindergarten and first grade children pick up words like little garbage collectors. My goal is to immerse them in words that will make them the most successful and competent readers possible and in my opinion, the Fry words are the most efficient way to accomplish this.
High frequency words, sometimes referred to as "sight words," are words that do not always sound the way they are spelled so students need to memorize them to become fluent readers. These words should be recognized instantly by readers.
We all remember the pain of memorization, my goal is to make memorization fun and engaging by providing a variety of ways for students to practice these words.
The Ultimate Word Work Pack provides teachers and students with the opportunity to teach and practice high frequency words each week in many exciting ways!The monthly sight word cards can be used on your word wall or to play a several games such as Memory, Swat-a-Word, and Fishing. Directions for each month are located at the beginning of the pack. You will also find 3 partner games: Bingo, Battleship, and Snakes & Ladders.
The sight word song can be sung to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. There is also a word search for each month!
Here is an example of one of my students singing an old sight word song!
Finally, there are weekly word work pages where students will practice 4-6 words. Spin*Write*Graph, Read*Stamp*Write, Roll-a-Sight Word, and Graph-a-Sight Word.
I like to use all of these activities in my literacy centers each month, they provide students will multiple, meaningful ways to practice using the words as they work on memorizing them.
These words are paced out to match my Kindergarten Homework Menus. These menus utilize the first 150 Fry words. I also offer First Grade Homework Menus which cover the first 300+ Fry words so The Ultimate Word Work Pack would help you provide practice for about half of the first grade words as well!
To learn more about high frequency word practice and find some helpful and creative ways to support your child at home please check out this article on Childhood101!
