After posting the article How Sight Words can Help your Child Read a few days ago, a common question I have been asked are what are the benefits of my child learning sight words.
Sight words are a great tool to help your children learn to read as it enables children to easily recognise the most common and frequently used words in the English language.
The ability to recognise sight words such as “a,” “and,” and “for” enables children to develop the building blocks of language so that they can read fluently and independently without stopping to sound out every word.
Here are 5 Benefits of Learning Sight Words that will help your child’s development beyond reading.
1. Confidence
The ability to instantly read sight words has a positive impact on children’s confidence in the classroom. It builds there confidence as they can understand and recall the words which will then help them develop a passion for learning other subjects too as they believe they are capable.
2. Speed
Quickly recognising sight words eliminates the need for children to spend time decoding and breaking down unfamiliar words into bite-sized chunks. It makes the process less time-consuming for them hence are more open to continue to read without feeling tired and drained from the continued decoding.
3. Enjoyment
Reading needs to be enjoyable for children! Sight word training enables children to read books independently and when they are able to read and recognise words they will pick up books and read for enjoyment because they are capable.
4. Progression
As children learn more sight words their vocabulary and word recognition expands. They can see and feel themselves learning and developing which will give them the drive and motivation to continue to learn.
5. Self-Esteem
The sense of achievement that comes with being able to read independently boosts a child’s self-esteem and emotional well-being.
When teaching sight words it is important to make if fun. We all learn best when we are having fun and interacting. This is why I love and created the game Swat a Sight Word Game.
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