The term Sight Words is often used to describe High Frequency Words and Tricky (or irregular) words. Learning them is crucial in developing strong reading and writing skills. Finding fun and interesting ways to practise spelling can be the hard part, so make it hands-on by using play dough.

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Learning high frequency word or sight word spellings can be difficult because many of them do not follow phonetic rules.

For this activity:

1. Use wooden or plastic letters, play dough and high frequency word cards.
2. Look at a high frequency word and analyse the spelling together – how many letters does it have? Are there any tricky sounds? Are there any silent letters?
3. Cover the card and present a small variety of wooden or plastic letters (including those needed to spell the word with some extras thrown in).
4. Children can choose the letters they need and press them into the play dough to spell the word, uncover the card and check the spelling. 
5. Smooth out the play-dough and try the next word. 
6. Try working on 3-letter words first, followed by 4-letter words, and so on. 
7. With any spelling practice work, try the LOOK, COVER, TRY, CHECK strategy.