What is a sight word?
Something I get asked quite often is what is a sight word? And while I’ve done a post before on helping your pre-ker with sight words we didn’t really talk about what a sight word IS.
So then….What IS a sight word?
Sight words are words that make up 75% of words used on beginner levels when reading, they are words we want your child to recognize instantly, at first sight. Hence, sight words!
They are words that do not typically follow basic phonics. Meaning they usually cannot be sounded out. Sight words are different for each grade level and build upon one another.
Sight words can be used to help encourage confidence in reading. A child mastering their list of sight words can now recognize at least HALF a sentence! Which then inspires the child to keep pushing forward while reading a book. It can even help encourage them to pick up another 🙂
Preschool Friendships
Preschool friendships look a little…ok a lot…different than friendships in older children. And that’s simply because your preschooler is still learning how to be a friend! Check out how preschool friendships evolve:
- They play together, instead of just side by side.
When children are first learning to make friends they merely play NEXT to each other rather than WITH each other. However, that changes once your child is around 3 years old.
2. They CAN share, but are still practicing.
Children don’t just know how to share. It’s something they must learn and practice. So while preschool friends CAN and do share, sometimes, they won’t. And well. *shrugs* that’s just how it goes.
3. They have a “best” friend.
Around this point children will have someone they prefer to play with. And it can (and does!) change on a daily basis. That’s totally normal!
4. They prefer their friends over Mom & Dad.
Sorry parents! As your child grows and learns how to be a friend, they will slowly become more independent from you. But don’t worry! It’s a good thing!
5. They can be loving and hurtful at the same time.
Kids are this age are exactly that. Kids! They are still learning how to be friends, how to share, and how to be kind. Children at about 3 years old can still be very egocentric (which is normal BTW!). So they can and sometimes are, hurtful to their friends without realizing it. So use those times as a learning opportunity. You’re preschooler will be a better friend for it.
