#3442. Sight Word Red Rover

Reading/Writing, level: Kindergarten
Posted Thu Oct 27 16:51:38 PDT 2005 by Linda Drew (tbtymes@earthlink.net).
Teddy Bear Tymes, San Bernardino, CA
Materials Required: Construction Paper, Crayons, Sight Words, Yarn, Outdoor space
Activity Time: 30 minutes
Concepts Taught: Recognize High Frequency Sight Words

I have the children each make a construction paper sign containing one (or more, if kids are able to handle it)high frequency sight word(s). They attach a long piece of yarn to each side of the sign and hang it around their necks. (I make sure all the yarn is long enough so nobody gets choked!)

We then go outside and divide into two lines, with children making a wall by holding hands tightly. We play "Red Rover" as the two lines take turns asking "Red Rover, Red Rover, send (sight word, such as "like") right over. The child wearing the sign with the word "like" runs to the other line and tries to break through the wall of joined hands. If s/he makes it through, s/he gets to take a sight word friend back to the original line. If the child doesn't make it through the wall, s/he stays in that line.

We play until I see the children are getting bored. I notice that whatever sight words the children wear, they suddenly identify with them and are better able to recognize and spell them later on. It is especially helpful for children who have trouble sitting still to learn!