Sight Words
Last year, my district had to create action plans to improve our students Oral Reading Fluency rates. To do this, the second grade teachers really focused on sight words. To do this, we used the Fry list (there are lots of websites--just goggle it) that have the word lists. We sent the lists home to the parents, explaining at the by second grade, the students need to know the first 200 words automatically. I would work with small groups of students to practice tehse words. I used ability grouping so the students were practicing the words at their level. The students LOVE the flashcards, b/c its a game for them. We would sit in a semi-circle and the students would see how quickly they could read the words. This helped, b/c when the students knew these words, they didn't need to take the time to read them, and could spend more time sounding out other words.
As far as phonics--what reading program/curriculum/series do you use? We use McGrawHill, so I do mini phonics lessons each day. I also use Isabelle Beck's word building ideas one or two days a week. Last year with my struggling readers I would use a lot of hands on activities. There is a great phonics workbook by Carson Dellosa (not sure of the name--I'm home sick) but its pink. Its a big book, and about $25, but it has lots of different worksheets to use as practice too.
