Puzzle Words: High-Frequency Sight Words

Some English words don't follow phonetic patterns. These 'puzzle words' must be recognized by sight. The Montessori approach teaches why they're puzzling.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Language
• Learning area: Reading
• Level: Ages 4-6

Objectives

• Read common irregular words by sight
• Build automatic word recognition
• Increase reading fluency
• Handle words that don't follow phonetic rules

Materials

• Puzzle word cards (the, was, said, have, come, some, etc.)
• Puzzle word chart for classroom
• Sentence strips using puzzle words

Instructions

1. Present word: 'the.' 2. 'This word is a puzzle. Let's try to sound it out... /t/ /h/ /e/. But we say 'the.' The spelling is puzzling!' 3. Trace word, say word. 4. Find in a book. 5. Add to puzzle word wall. 6. Practice reading in sentences. 7. Review daily.

Educator tip

Teach only 3-5 puzzle words at a time. Many 'sight words' are actually phonetically regular (in, at, can)—don't treat those as puzzles.

Assessment

Child reads puzzle words automatically in isolation and in sentences.

More from Language

• Phonogram Reading: Double Letters
• Phonogram Reading: Vowel Teams
• Sentence Reading with Action Commands
• Reading Classification: Sorting Word Cards
• Booklet Reading: Pink Series
• Booklet Reading: Blue Series
• Booklet Reading: Green Series
• Partner Reading: Buddy System