Learning sight words is common practice for beginning readers, but upper level teachers may neglect the importance of word recognition.
Biology is packed with new words, and readily recognizing those new terms is imperative to understanding Biology concepts. Students must practice using the new vocabulary terms so they can quickly recognize them on standardized tests and subsequently identify the topic (standard) in question.
The ability to categorize the terms into standards-based topics will allow the student to more efficiently retrieve information and correctly answer state prepared multiple-choice questions accurately and precisely.
One "sight word" game for high school students requires only a supply of chalk and an empty corner of a parking lot. Students and teachers can be creative in designing the word blocks to minimize expense, using supplies already on hand, or to modify the game to play on turf or indoors.
To prepare, make a list of new terms and a corresponding list of definitions or descriptions. In the area where the game will be played, write each new term in large letters randomly spaced around the play area. The terms should be far enough apart to require a little movement, but close enough that they can all be seen.
We play short games frequently, so only one to three players are usually selected for each game. I will ask those students who wish to play to raise their hand, then I put a popsicle stick with their name into a sack and select two. I keep popsicle sticks with all students' names available because they have lots of great uses!
The two students selected to play will stand in the center of the play area. As the moderator (also selected from students) reads the definition, the two students begin looking around for the correct term. When found, the student(s) will race to the term. When both are at the term, the next definition is read and the students again race to find the term. the game should move along rather quickly. A tally is kept of who reaches each term first. Spectators can cheer, but they are not allowed to help.
The winner may simply earn bragging rights, or an inexpensive prize may be awarded. My students earn a bottle of water and their choice of flavor packet. Students can purchase water bottles in school vending machines for $1, so the inexpensive cases of water that I purchase at the local dollar store do not cost much but are quite valuable to the students.
