Should we go over more sight words???

Connor has been expressing that he REALLY wants to go to Kindergarten this year, which like I mentioned before since he misses the cutoff by 12 days he would have to take a very hard test here in NC. You have to score a 98% on it. Anyway, we have decided that if he is ready by the time comes that we will try to have him take it. It does cost a bit of money too so he has to be REALLY ready.

There are several parts to the test but one that we have been working with him is reading since we were told by the psychologist that he has to know how to read sight words. Well, they won't tell me of course how many or which ones he needs to know, just that the more he knows the better. In just about a month Connor can read with sounding out about 42-45 out of 50 words without any help from me. He also can read some sentences in books! We're so proud of him. Just a few weeks ago, he didn't know any at all. He's really into this and really wants to learn. He's been bugging us the past few months actually!

My question is, do you think we should learn more sight words? We've been using flashcards and there are 2 sides to them. We've only been using the beginner side. The other side is a little bit harder and 50 more words. What would you do? I want to go over them, but don't want to overwhelm him. I just wish I knew how many he really needs to know. Any thoughts?

Message edited 2/17/2011 9:17:20 AM.

Re: Should we go over more sight words???

Honestly that is GREAT! I teach 1st grade in NYC and I can tell you that the kids going into K do not know that many words! Some dont even know that many going into 1st. Kindergarten isnt mandotory (which I think is ridiculous!)

Did they tell you what things will be on the test?

I would just keep doing what you are doing and woulnt push. If you push it, it becomes a chore. You're doing great. When it gets closer to the date of the test, make a determintion. No matter what, he is learning!

Re: Should we go over more sight words???

Thanks! He is surprising us really! We thought it would be much harder to teach him things, but it's been really easy???

This is what it says he'll need to do. Makes me sooo nervous.

He has to take these 2 tests: WPPSI (I.Q. test), WJ-III (achievement test)

I.Q. testing - Taps innate abilities (verbal skills, nonverbal skills, processing speed) while achievement testing assesses reading and math skills.

Your child will need to score at the 98th percentile or higher on the I.Q. test and at the 98th percentile or higher in reading or math on the achievement test.

It also says this on her website...

WHEN TO CONSIDER EARLY KINDERGARTEN ENTRY AND READINESS TESTING:
Although there is no perfect list of criteria to know whether your child is ready for kindergarten, you want to see that your child:

• Knows his or her ABC's and numbers at least 1-10 (even better
if he or she can sound out some simple words or recognize some
sight words)

• Can potentially show applied math skills (i.e., he or she has four
blocks and can answer a question such as, "If I gave you two more
blocks, how many would you have?")

• Has demonstrated the ability to sit for periods of time in a structured
setting and attend a "lesson."

• Can handle separations from mom and dad well.

• Is excited and ready to go to "big school."

• Is able to play well with peers. (It's still normal for children to
squabble over toys or fight, but you want to see your child playing
well much of the time.)

• Has demonstrated the ability to respect adult authority figures (other
than you) by following directions and instructions.

• Can handle transitions during the day from one activity to the next.

• Is mature enough to be able to function comfortably with
approximately 23 older children throughout a 6-7 hour day.


Going by this, do you have any suggestions on what we can practice since you're a teacher? Thanks so much!

Message edited 2/17/2011 9:31:29 AM.

Re: Should we go over more sight words???

I say go for it, especially if he has the drive and the aptitude for it.

Nate was very similar and we just kept up with his interest and desire for more. He's in a gifted K program now and thriving. My almost 4 year doesn't have the same level of interest Nate did at that age. We just work with him at his pace and don't push it.

Re: Should we go over more sight words???

it's called the dolch word list- here is a great website to practice

just google dolch word list and tons of websites will pop up with the list of the 50sight words for kindergarten, 100 for 1st grade, etc.

Re: Should we go over more sight words???

Thanks!

Do you think we should do the first grade one's too? I wish I knew how many and which one's they are going to ask him?

Re: Should we go over more sight words???

I don't know how many they will ask, but I would be prepared with at least the first 50. If he knows them well enough, start going on first grade- it will only benefit him!

A great way is to write sentences, with the sight words like "today the sun will be out. we will eat lunch," and ask him to find them in the sentence. he can circle them with a marker. make a game out of it!