Your child will race across a room by taking one step for each common or high-frequency word they read before a timer goes off.
Learning Area(s): Reading and Writing
MATERIALS
- word list (see Tips)
- 5 to 10 index cards, sticky notes, or pieces of paper
- timer
LET'S PLAY
Get ready for this activity by writing one common or high-frequency word on each card. Select the words from a word list in Tips.
Choose a space in your home or outside. Decide on a starting point and a finish line.
Explain the activity to your child. “We are going to play a word reading game. I will set a timer and show you one word card at a time. You will take one step every time you read a word correctly! If you don’t remember the word or say it incorrectly, you won’t take a step. But I’ll read the word, then you’ll read the word, and I’ll put it back in the stack and you’ll get another try.”
Read each word card to your child and have them read it back to you before you begin. Show your child where to start and where the finish line is (e.g., from one wall to another in a room, or 10 feet away on a sidewalk). “Ready? Let’s see how far you can get before the timer goes off.” Set the timer for 30 seconds if using 10 cards, and begin.
If you run out of cards before the timer goes off, use the cards again. Remember, if your child misses a word, read the word to them, have them read the word, and then place it in the middle of the stack. Remember to work quickly because you are racing against time!
When the timer goes off, shuffle the cards and play another round. If your child seems to need more time, increase the time by 10 seconds. Celebrate reaching the finish line!
TIPS
- High-frequency words are recognized by sight. Helping your child take the time to look at the word closely as they read it can help them remember the word when they see it again.
- Position yourself nearby as your child crosses the space so that they can clearly see the word card. Reminding your child to keep their eyes looking at the word in print helps them to attend to the word and allows them time to notice letters in the word, which can be helpful when first learning to recognize words by sight.
- To find the appropriate words for your child, look at a research-based list:
- Dolch word lists (organized by grade level) (opens in a new tab)
- Fry word lists (organized in groups of 100 based on how often we use them) (opens in a new tab)
- AERO Reading Curriculum high-frequency word cards
- If this game is too easy for your child, try adding some words from a word list above your child’s grade level or in a higher group.
- If the game is too hard for your child, try using some words from the grade level below and help your child read any words they don’t know.
- Different schools use different word lists. Don’t worry if your child isn’t familiar with some of the words. Your child’s teacher may have a list of words to practice at home.
- You can repeat this game with new sets of word cards each time.