3 Hands-On Sight Word Activities
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In Kindergarten, learning sight words is one of the first steps to students being able to read fluently. There are many ways to practice sight words with some simple supplies and without having to use a worksheet or flipping flashcards. You probably already have some of these supplies at home or school. Here are 3 Hands-on Sight Word Activities (including a free printable) for your students that they will love!
*For hands-on, sight word practice for the whole year, grab our EDITABLE Sight Word Games and Centers Bundle!
3 Hands-On Sight Word Activities
All three of these sight word activities are versatile and meant to reach all types of learners and learning styles. They are great for literacy centers or small groups in Pre-K – 1st grade. Let’s dive right in with gathering our simple supplies!
Here’s what you’ll need for all 3 activities:
- White construction paper
- White crayons
- Watercolor paints
- Shaving cream
- Play dough
- Build a Sight Word printable (download at the end of the post)
Teacher Tip: For all of these activities, I like to provide a list of sight words or flashcards for the words that we are currently practicing.
Secret Sight Words Painting
Who doesn’t love to paint? This activity is a fun way to incorporate art while practicing sight words. I like to use this as a fun center on Fridays or even as a class reward!
Using a white crayon, have students write a sight word on a piece of white construction paper.
Once they are done writing, the kids can paint over the sight word with the watercolor paints and watch their word “magically” appear.
Shaving Cream Sight Words
This one may get a little messy but your students will love it!
This activity also makes your room smell really good, depending on what kind of shaving cream you use. I use a plastic plate to keep the shaving cream from getting everywhere, but you could also put saran wrap down on the table.
Begin by spraying a quarter size squirt of shaving cream on a plate for each student. Have them spread it around in an even-ish layer.
Using their fingers, the kids can write their sight words in the shaving cream. When they are done they can smooth it out and “write” again!
Play Dough Sight Words
For this hands-on activity, all you need is a tub of play dough and some sight word flashcards. This is an easy activity that can be used as early finisher work, or as a last minute center.
Your students won’t even realize they are practicing sight words because they are having so much fun playing with the play dough.
Have students start by rolling a piece of play dough “snake style.” This is great fine motor skills practice!
Next, they can take their long play dough “snake” and form letters to spell each sight word on the Build a Sight Word Printable Mat, using the flashcards for reference.
Making practice engaging and fun really makes a difference when students are learning sight words. Now, my students are always eager to practice their sight words because it is hands-on and exciting!
Grab Your FREE Printable Mat
Ready to start practicing sight words in a super fun way? Grab your free copy of the Build a Sight Word Printable Mat by clicking the large, yellow download button below!
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These are great!! Thanks so much.
You’re welcome, Linda! We have happy to hear you are enjoying our resources.