Did you also know that sight words can be used to boost your child’s literacy skills.
Similar to English students reading faster because they recognize high-frequency vocabulary words, Spanish sight word have the exact same effect on young children learning to read Spanish.
This article will examine the advantages of Spanish sight-words and provide suggestions for vocabulary that your child can use to start fluent Spanish reading.
What are sight words in Spanish?
Let’s first distinguish between "sight words", and "high frequency words".
High-frequency vocabulary is the most common words in a language. A method of teaching reading that emphasizes memorizing words used frequently in texts is called "Sight words". This method has been proven to increase reading fluency.
English’s Dolch Sight Word List, for instance, is the most used set.
This Spanish sight-word list from Real Academia Espanola (RAE) is a wonderful resource.
Only a few words from the RAE masterlist are included in text for children. We recommend that you begin with 100 words. This is an excellent way of getting started in reading.
Spanish translation of the expression "sightwords":
-
palabras a primera vista
-
palabras de alta frequencia
-
palabras de vocabulario reconocible a la vista
3 Reasons Spanish sight words support literacy
Sight words in Spanish are important for three reasons. Sight words:
1. Increase word recognition
Students can learn Spanish sight words to quickly recognize common words without having to think. This allows them to focus on the most difficult words and ideas, increase their reading speed, and learn about the language.
2. Expand vocabulary and improve spelling
Spanish sight words are useful in spelling, vocabulary and comprehension.
3. Deepen reading comprehension
Spanish sight words can help improve comprehension. They allow students to quickly understand the meaning of text and take less time. Common words will help students recognize the meaning of a text and allow them to engage on a deeper level with it.
Sight words can be used to make reading faster, easier, and more fun for your child. Children can learn Spanish by using a "sight word” method at school or in Spanish classes.
How do you accomplish this?
How to use sight words for literacy development in Spanish
Sight words are a great way for your child to learn Spanish.
Here are some Spanish sight words you can use:
1. Books and other reading materials
Start by reading to your child Spanish books.
This can be done by visiting a bookstore or library near you that is bilingual or Spanish-language. There are many Spanish-language books available at different levels in bookstores and libraries. Librarians and employees of bookstores can help you locate the right material for your child.
Access online resources, such as ebook platforms and digital libraries, is another option. These websites offer Spanish-language reading material. Tumblebooks and La Casa del Libro both offer Spanish books suitable for all reading levels.
A third option is to use a reading test tool such as Sistema de Evaluacion de la Lectura en Espanol, or the iReady Spanish Reading Assessment to help your child evaluate their Spanish reading skills. You can then choose the appropriate level of materials for your child once you have a good idea of their reading ability. You can find these assessments online, or you can have help from a teacher.
If you are familiarized with Learning AZ’s website then you will be glad to know that they have a Spanish collection.
2. Songs, poems, and nursery rhymes
Encourage your child to sing and dance their way towards fluency in Spanish sight word recognition. You will be amazed at how much your child can learn by including catchy songs in their reading practice.
Here are some suggestions:
Discover your top music streaming channels, YouTube channels, and educational websites offering Spanish-language songs.
Streaming services: Browse Spotify playlists including Just the Best Spanish Nursery Rhymes (and Best Spanish Kids Song Along Songs)
Channels on YouTube:
You can find top YouTube channels for kids, Toy Cantando or GallinaPintadita. They have an amazing collection of nursery rhymes and Spanish songs that include sight words.
Educational Websites:
You can download songs and rhymes sheets from websites like ArbolABC and BabyRadio.es and have your child work with you to highlight sight words and point out the correct ones. You can also make your flashcards out of the sight words and rhymes.
3. Introduce the "Word of the Day."
Your child can be introduced to a "word-of-the day" using flashcards that contain Spanish high frequency word flashcards. You can also incorporate the concept into their daily routine. You must make the Word of the Day engaging and interactive, as well as relatable to the child’s everyday life.
Here are some suggestions:
Accept visual aids
To help your child remember and understand the word, you can use images, videos, and real-life objects. This could be photos of the object or videos showing how the word is used.
Connect it to your children’s experience
The word can be compared to the child’s experience with it or to something that interests them. You can, for example, use the word "perro" to talk about your child’s pet dog if it is a Spanish word meaning "dog". You can also use the word to talk about a child who loves soccer if you have the appropriate context. This makes learning easier for children and helps them remember what they mean.
Have fun with games
Adding games and activities to your word of day routine can make it more interactive. You could play word search puzzles or create flashcard word matching games. This will make learning fun and memorable.
4. Gamify sight words
Gamifying learning is an effective and fun way to teach sight word in Spanish to children. Your child will become more involved, motivated, and better able to retain information if you make learning fun.
These are some of the ways you can gamify Spanish sightwords:
Flashcard matching
Make a set flashcards using Spanish sight words and ask your child to match each word with its image. For younger children, you could make a memory game in which they must match the words to their meaning. This is a great way to reinforce sight words as well as help your child learn their meaning.
Are you looking for flashcards that are free? You can find free flashcards at the Homeschool Spanish Academy content hub. It has more than 50 lessons, including free flashcards and activity packets.
Want a simple, premade set? Learn sight words in Spanish! Amazon
Word Search Puzzle
You can create a word-search puzzle with the sight words. You can use a word-search generator or hand to do this. The child must find the words in this puzzle. This helps reinforce sight words and spelling.
Scavenger Hunt
Have the child search for flashcards that contain Spanish sight words in the classroom or house. They must then say the word loudly and put it into a sentence after they find the flashcard. This is a great way to retain the information and it’s also interactive and fun.
Word Bingo
You can make a BINGO Board using the sight word list and ask your child to match the words with their letters. The game can be enhanced with additional elements, such as a reward for winning a BINGO and a penalty for making a mistake.
Word matching
Make a game in which children must match the word to the definition or picture. Flashcards, digital app, pen and note, or even pen & paper are all options.
Word Guessing Game
Hangman is a game where you can use sight words to help you guess the word. The children will enjoy guessing letters and strengthening their sight words vocabulary.
