Leveled Books
for emergent readers repeat high-frequency words.
High-Frequency Words
Provide students with resources to practice reading high-frequency words. High-frequency words are the most commonly used words in printed text. Since over 50 percent of all text is composed of these types of words, books are a great opportunity for readers to learn them in context. Repeated practice is important for students to learn to read high-frequency words quickly and fluently.
Since these words are essential to fluent reading, repeated exposure is crucial to help students read quickly and fluently. This decreases frustration for readers and encourages comprehension.
How to Use High-Frequency Word Resources
High-frequency word books provide opportunities for students to read these words in context. Bingo cards and flash cards are tools that can be used to provide additional practice. Use the High-Frequency Word Strategy Bank for additional strategies to help students learn these words. Follow these tips for successful high-frequency word instruction.
Make sure students read text containing high-frequency words every day. Almost all text contains these words, but the most rewarding reading will come from books students can read easily. Reading A-Z's High-Frequency Word Books, Decodables, or Leveled Books with patterned text will provide students with exposure to these words. Since students can keep and use their own copies of the books, they can circle or underline the high-frequency words as they encounter them in the text.
Create a word wall of high-frequency words. Add new words to the wall as they are introduced. Each day, students can chant or cheer the high-frequency words posted on the wall.
Introduce words in small groups of six to eight words or fewer per week. It may be beneficial to present words in phonetic groups (this, that, they, the, those, there; big, but, by, best, both, etc.).
Allow students to write the words as often as possible. They may practice individual words or write high-frequency word sentences such as 'I like to _____,' or 'We go by the _____.'
Keep a checklist of high-frequency words. When a student learns a word, meaning they can read it quickly and efficiently, or write it without seeing the word, check off the word and move on to the next one.
Other High-Frequency Word Resources
The English High-Frequency Word Books have been translated into Spanish and French. Because of the nuances of each language, these translations cannot be literal word-for-word translations. In many instances, the number of high-frequency words in a translated version may be greater than the English version. When using the translated versions to introduce and teach Spanish and French high-frequency words, you may want to introduce and teach 2-3 words in different teaching sessions before giving students the books to read.
Other resources also emphasize high-frequency words. Every lesson level aa-J Leveled Books or Serial Books, and Level 1 Trade Book Lessons contain high-frequency word lists for instruction.
Looking for More High-Frequency Word Resources?
VocabularyA-Z.com offers 13,000+ words to align with your classroom curriculum, including multiple sight word lists to help your students learn high-frequency words appropriate for their grade level. You gain access to resources such as:
