Sight words are one tool for helping students learn how to be fluent readers. The challenge for English Language Learners (and all students) in learning these words is that the majority of sight words and other high-frequency words, do not have visuals that are easily associated with them. This can make it more challenging to give meaning to these words. Teaching sight words in the context of a phrase or sentence allow students to better remember them. Here are some specific strategies for teaching sight words to ELLs.

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1. Use High-Quality Non-Fiction Easy Readers

Nonfiction is a great tool for teaching sight words to English Language Learners. This is particularly true for older ELLs. There are many high-quality easy readers that use photographs or simple pictures. This allows ELLs to learn new vocabulary words at the same time they are learning sight words. The context of the books gives meaning to sight words.

2. Use Simple Sentences and Phrases with Pictures

Most sight words do not have easy to understand meaning attached to them. Putting them into a sentence or phrase helps to give the words meaning and allows you to add in a picture. This is especially helpful for early readers and English Language Learners.

Students are able to read short sentences and phrases multiple times. They are quickly able to begin working on reading fluency and not focus on decoding the words of a sentence or phrase.

Sight word phrases are great for quick practice. They can be put on a ring and added to a student’s book box. They can also be added to a fluency center or incorporated into a guided reading routine.

Get premade Sight Word Phrases Strips in my TPT store.

3. Teach Sight Words in Context

Reading sight words in context helps students to add meaning to the words. The context can be simple to read books, short sentences, or phrases.

I have a set of sight word puzzles where students match a sight word with a sentence that has that sight word bolded. This is one way for them to focus on the sight word and get exposure to the word in context. Learn more about my sight word puzzles HERE.

4. Use Sentence Frames

Sentence frames allow students to practice reading and writing sentences with support. You can create sentences with sight words students are learning and then have them add in new vocabulary words or pictures to practice reading. For writing students practice writing using the frame and adding in their own information. There are also premade sight word frames for students to practice reading basic sight words with new vocabulary words.

5. Cut up sentences

Cut apart sentences with sight words that students are learning. Have them put the sentences back in order. This allows them to practice reading each word and think about the overall meaning of the sentence. It is another way to practice sight words in context.
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