“Red Word Deck”

Each student is provided with a personalize “Red Word Deck” which is comprised of sight words that need to be learned. A preassessment is used to determine which words each child needs to practice. These words are mostly unphonetic, and cannot be sounded out using our fist pounding and finger tapping approach. I provide each student with a word deck, and three strategies to practice and memorize. Please remind your child to practice several times a week. Memorizing these words help reading comprehension and writing.

Strategy #1: Sky Writing

• Student finger traces letters of the word in the deck while saying each letter out loud.
• Student uses extended arm and pointed finger to write each letter in the air while saying each letter as it is written.
• Repeat 3 times per word in the deck.

Strategy #2: Read it, Type it, Write it

• Place green key board and card deck in front of student on a desk or table.
• Student finger traces letters of the word in the deck while saying each letter out loud.
• Student types each letter while saying it out loud, then hits “enter” to signify the word being blended together. Type each word 3 times.
• Flip the paper over and write the word from memory 3 times. Check using word card. Be mindful of handwriting and neatness (high and low letters).
• Students will then use it correctly in a sentence that shows they understand the meaning of the sight word.

Strategy #3: Arm Spelling

• Ask student to hold card deck in non-writing hand, and extend arm all the way out in front of them.
• Starting at the shoulder, tap each letter on a new spot on the arm moving towards the wrist.
• Swipe from the shoulder down to wrist and word is repeated at the end.
• Repeat 3 times.