3 Ways An SLP Can Support Students Struggling With Sight Words

Sight words are crucial for language development as children begin to learn to read. Often when children are struggling, parents and/or teachers will ask the student's speech-language pathologist (SLP) for additional support. It's important to note that learning sight words is about repetition, frequency, and consistency.  These are not words that can be sounded out and need to be seen numerous times in order to be read by "sight."

Here are three ways SLPs can help student's learn words as well as provide support for carryover in the home:

1. Use a multi-sensory approach:

• Have the student not only read the word, but also: write the word, say the word, spell the word, listen to the word, touch the word, etc.  Students learn in different ways using their 5 senses; therefore, it is important for us to teach in a multi-sensory approach.

2. Make it FUN:

• Students are more willing to engage and recall what they have learned when learning is FUN. When thinking of a multi-sensory approach, think about how you can make it fun. For example, you could: write words in shaving cream, say words in silly voices, spell words while moving through an obstacle course, etc. Read more about 5 fun, low-prep activities HERE.

3. Carryover in the home:

• It's important to convey to parents how important at-home practice is with sight words. Children need repetition in order to learn these words so they need to see them every single day. Instead of giving a list of words to send home, I like to make it fun by giving my seasonal/holiday homework color sheets. Grab a free sample HERE. 

Do you have any additional suggestions on working on sight words as an SLP? Let me know in the comments!

Happy speeching!

~Erin