Journeys Sight Word List for Kindergarten

As an educator, I have found that incorporating phonetic spelling into my writer's workshop time has been a game-changer for my kindergarten students. By focusing on invented spelling during interventions and reading core time, my students have developed a strong foundation in phonics.

In addition to phonics instruction, we also focus on sight word spelling. This approach was inspired by our administration several years ago, and it has continued to be a successful strategy even with new administrators. The idea is simple: instead of relying solely on traditional spelling tests, we use a program called SIPPS to help students learn the first 100 Fry's words in kindergarten.

By incorporating sight word spelling into our daily routine, my students have shown significant improvement in their reading and writing abilities. In fact, by the end of the year, most of my class scored 80-100% on tests measuring their sight word knowledge. This has translated to a noticeable difference at home, with parents reporting improved reading skills.

One of the most exciting aspects of this approach is the way it has freed up our students' writing abilities. Without being stuck on memorizing sight words, they are able to focus on creativity and expression during writer's workshop time. As a result, their writing has become more confident and engaging.

The impact of this approach was evident in December, when most of my class scored 60% or higher on tests measuring their sight word knowledge. However, it wasn't always smooth sailing. Around November last year, I began to worry that I had made a mistake by abandoning traditional spelling tests. But with the support of parents and administrators, we were able to persevere and see our students' progress.

In conclusion, incorporating sight word spelling into our kindergarten curriculum has been a valuable addition to our educational approach. By using a combination of phonics instruction and invented spelling, we have seen significant improvements in our students' reading and writing abilities. I am excited to continue exploring this strategy with my new class of kindergarteners and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on their educational journey.

Journeys sight word list for kindergarten