5 Sight Word Centers for Special Education Students to Do Independently

For our special education students, we know that they working independently can be difficult, both in the general education classroom and in the resource room.

In my opinion, working on sight words that have been mastered is a great opportunity for an activity our students can complete successfully.

Using the words in their “Words I Know” pocket of their Dolch Sight Word Folder, students can work on their own to continually work on words that they have previously mastered. This exposure could be critical to helping keep it fresh in their mind.

Sensory Bin

My students love the sensory bin! It’s easy to switch out seasonally or monthly to keep it fresh, but the act is the same. Write the words from their “Words I Know” pocket in the bin.

Wikki Sticks

Although some students don’t love the texture of Wikki Sticks, this is something that a lot of my students enjoy. Students simply spell their words on the table and are encouraged to say or whisper it out loud.

Play-Dough

Just like Wikki Stiks, some students don’t love this texture. But for those that do, this is a great multi-sensory activity to help them practice those sight words in their “Words I Know” pocket.

PomPoms

I love to get my students practicing fine motor skills while working to spell the words that they know. This is a favorite by many of my students.

Pipe Cleaners

I use pipe cleaners for glow day one year, and decided to keep them for this multi-sensory way to practice sight words independently. They don’t have the same texture of Wikki Sticks, but they offer the same outcome. Plus, they are so much cheaper than Wikki Sticks.

Boogie Board

This is a POPULAR option, especially with my younger students. I ask them to write the words three times each. In the end, I am not monitoring the number. It’s just a fun way to practice those sight words.