High-Frequency Word Book Strategies Bank

High-frequency words are the 100 or so most commonly used words in printed language. Though the English language contains millions of words, over 50 percent of all text is composed of these 100 words. These words often present a special difficulty to early readers. Many are phonetically irregular (there, not "theer;" could, not "cold"), and they tend to be abstract and have no visual correspondence, or even easily understood definitions. Yet these words are essential to reading. If students are to read quickly and fluently, they must have these high-frequency words memorized to sight; otherwise, decoding will take up much time and effort, frustrating the reader and blocking easy comprehension.   Recognizing high-frequency words by sight primarily involves memorization, and memorization comes most easily through repetition. Students need to read and write high-frequency words as often as possible. Follow these tips for successful high-frequency word instruction: Make sure your child is reading text containing high-frequency words every day. Almost all text contains these words, but the most rewarding reading will come from books students can read easily. All of the books and poems sent home will provide students with exposure to these words. Since students can keep and use their own copies of the books, they can circle or underline the high-frequency words as they encounter them in the text. Create a word wall or box of high-frequency words. Add new words to the box as they are introduced. Each day, have your child chant or cheer the high-frequency words in the box. Introduce words in small groups of 5 to 8 words or fewer per week. It may be beneficial to present words in phonetic groups (this, that, they, the, those, there; big, but, by, best, both, etc.). Allow your child to write the words as often as possible. They may practice individual words or write high-frequency word sentences such as "I like to _____," or "We go by the _____." When a student has memorized a word, meaning he or she can read it without decoding or write it without seeing the word, check the word off and move on to the next word. Use a stopwatch to time your child as he reads the words. Give a star when he beats his previous time. Or, see how many words he can read in 1 minute, etc. Use the word cards as flash cards to practice, or make two copies and play a concentration-type matching game. Find ways to use the words in everyday conversation and let your child 'catch' you using them. Give a star for each time they notice the weekly words in conversation or in printed form. Write a word in the air with your finger and let your child guess the word. Then, let her write a word in the air and you guess it! These activities can make learning high-frequency words engaging and fun.   Word Books Your child can create a word book and search for high frequency words. Folded and stapled construction or white paper, pencils, and crayons are all that is required. Students can write their names on the covers and decorate their books. As students encounter high-frequency words, they will add them to their books. Word Detective Invite your child to be high-frequency word detectives. They can locate assigned words in the print materials they encounter in their daily lives.   Make and Break Use plastic/paper letters to make and break high-frequency words. Write the high-frequency word on a piece of paper and have your child use it as a model to make the word with their letters. Have him/her read the word. Then, remove the written word from their sight and have them scramble their plastic letters and try to build the word again. Speak the word as they do so, separating it into phonemes if necessary. Have your child read the word they have made to check that it is correct.   Word Games Almost any simple game can be slightly modified to accommodate high-frequency word instruction. Bingo is a consistent favorite. While playing bingo, as you call out each word, making sure that they recognize the high-frequency words and place chips on them when appropriate. Other simple games that can help teach words include common favorites like hangman. Big Word to Little Words Game You remember this game! It's a classic because it requires no preparation time, and it's fun. Write a 'big' word at the top of each player's sheet of paper. Set a timer and tell players to make as many words as they can find from the letters in the big word. When time's up, the player with the most words wins. An alternative to this game is to write a one-syllable word at the top of the page. Let the child list words that rhyme with the target word. New Word Hunt Have your child bring a new word to dinner each night. She can find it in a magazine, book, or other printed material, or it can be a word she heard that day. But, it must be a word that she doesn't know. Talk about what the word means at dinner. Parents can share new words they find too! Flashcard Activities Create flashcards for the high-frequency words with your child. It may be helpful to create your word wall from these versatile, movable cards. Flashcards can accommodate any number of fun activities: Scavenger Hunt: Place 5-10 word cards around the house. Have your child go on a word “hunt” to find the word you call out. Louder and Louder: Have your child begin reading the words on the word wall in a whisper. As they go along, have them gradually increase the volume until they are shouting by the last word. "Jeopardy": Lay several high-frequency word cards face up on the floor. You and your child sit on the floor next to the cards. Take turns mentally choosing a word and give a clue about it: "This word begins with a b." Continue to give clues ("It rhymes with tall.") until the other player touches the correct card. He or she gets to give the next set of clues. Memory: Create two of each high-frequency word cards. Lay the cards face down on the floor. Take turns trying to match identical words. The player with the most pairs wins. Funny Voices: Flash the cards to your child, and have him/her read a word in a robot voice, an old voice, a squeaky voice, and a monster voice. Swat!: Give your child a flyswatter. Read a word from the word wall. Your child gets to swat the word and say it aloud. Making Sentences: Put the word cards together to make silly sentences. Pack of index cards: $1.00 Colorful markers: $2.00 Taking the time to do something fun and educational with your child: PRICELESS! Use your imagination to create simple, fun activities that will give students daily exposure to high-frequency words. Remember that you were your child’s first and most adored teacher!