As a kindergarten teacher I can find myself struggling to get children to learn enough high frequency words to sustain them in their reading. By the time they decode two to four high frequency words on a page, they have lost most, if not all, of the comprehension from that page. I understand the importance of students learning high frequency words quickly so that they can focus on the comprehension of the text and decoding strategies for higher-level words.
During my graduate program at ECU, I had the opportunity to conduct research on a topic that I wanted to learn more about and would benefit my students academic success. I knew from the beginning, I wanted to find out how to quickly increase high frequency words in my kindergarten students. Above is a link to the complete study and below you will find links to the main points of the study, tips for educators and parents, and resources. I hope you find the results and information as useful as I do.
During my graduate program at ECU, I had the opportunity to conduct research on a topic that I wanted to learn more about and would benefit my students academic success. I knew from the beginning, I wanted to find out how to quickly increase high frequency words in my kindergarten students. Above is a link to the complete study and below you will find links to the main points of the study, tips for educators and parents, and resources. I hope you find the results and information as useful as I do.
You can view an overview
of the study here. |
The results of this study allowed two possible activities to increase high frequency words. While word work activities had a greater mean gain score, both word work and flashcards improved students’ high frequency word knowledge. By knowing the information learned from this study, you can make an informed decision on the most efficient way to spend fifteen minutes working with words.
The hands on word work that Clay (2005) explained about in her studies allow students to have an increase in tactile learning. This study used that same approach to give students a systematic, hands-on way to learn new words. Some of the information gathered from the researcher log also enabled me to learn that some students much preferred learning from one type of activity over another. Having this bit of information could be the key needed to unlock the door to specific student’s learning styles.
View the video below for some example activities, along with sample lesson plans in the resource section. If you are not familiar with the importance of learning high frequency words, also check out the parent section to view a more detailed Prezi of the information.
The hands on word work that Clay (2005) explained about in her studies allow students to have an increase in tactile learning. This study used that same approach to give students a systematic, hands-on way to learn new words. Some of the information gathered from the researcher log also enabled me to learn that some students much preferred learning from one type of activity over another. Having this bit of information could be the key needed to unlock the door to specific student’s learning styles.
View the video below for some example activities, along with sample lesson plans in the resource section. If you are not familiar with the importance of learning high frequency words, also check out the parent section to view a more detailed Prezi of the information.
What Does This Mean for Parents?
Parents, you play a vital part in your child's reading success! Please view the presentation to the right to get a more detailed explanation of ways you can help your child become a better reader from home.
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Resources for Educators and Parents
Wild and Crazy Words
Practice Writing Letters and Words
Word Work on Pinterest
Online Sight Word Games
Word Work Activities Used in Research
Practice Writing Letters and Words
Word Work on Pinterest
Online Sight Word Games
Word Work Activities Used in Research