Tying it all together-Sight Words and Real Reading

As mentioned in my first post, sight word knowledge is an essential component of reading success.  It is imperative that teachers and parents use real books as they teach children how to read.  Isolating one skill can help with a child's weak areas, but it takes real reading to improve fluency and comprehension.  I always tell parents to read TO their children and WITH their children. 

One wonderful website I am fortunate to have for my students is www.raz-kids.com.   This website offers leveled books that children can listen to, read themselves, and answer comprehension questions.  The students move up to the next level as they complete a designated number of tasks.  There is also a "space theme," and students are allowed to spend "stars" they have earned to decorate their spaceships.  In the past, parents have said how much they like this website because they have access to it at home.  Students may also listen to books more than once, which is a great way to increase sight word knowledge and fluency.

An example of text and illustrations

A child's spaceship which he/she can customize

There is a fee to be a member of "Raz-kids.com," but Henry County Public Schools has purchased a subscription to this website for the past 7 years.  It has proven to be successful for my students, and I hope to continue to use it for years to come.

Click on the image to discover "Raz-kids.com."