In the beginning, kids learn their basic phonic sounds and then apply that knowledge to sight words. You can find a list of Dolch sight words by grade level multiple places online by simply searching Kindergarten Dolch Sight Words List or whatever grade you need. Many of my posts are on free products and DIY lessons. This post is different because it is on products you can buy to help teach phonics, sight words, and reading. If your student is already in Kindergarten ask their teacher for a list of the words they will be tested on this year. If you are interested in electronic learning products check out my post on educational apps from August.
Alpha-Bug Step 'n' Spell is hugely popular with any kid who comes in our house. You don't really have to do much teaching yourself with this product because it does so much! It sings the alphabet song, teaches phonic sounds, guides kids through spelling sight words, and as a bonus becomes a musical instrument with every letter a different pitch. It has volume control and two levels of difficulty.
http://www.learningresources.com/product/alpha-bug+step+--8216-n--8217-+spell-reg-.do?search=basic&keyword=alpha+bug&sortby=bestSellers&page=1&
Three letter word puzzle flashcards are great to start teaching flashcards because they can put the words together using the picture as a visual aid. Ask them to spell the word and sound it out phonetically when the puzzle is complete.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/prodpop.jsp?LargeImageURL=http%3A//TRUS.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-8864119dt.jpg&displayTab=enh&productId=10809999&totCount=0
Phonic Fun airplane by Leapfrog. Find the letters it asks for, make up a word of your own, or find the word it requests. Another product that the child can use with less adult guidance than others.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/prodpop.jsp?LargeImageURL=http%3A//TRUS.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-2786851dt.jpg&displayTab=enh&productId=2266012&totCount=0
Melissa and Doug See n Spell Learning Game. This brand has never disappointed. They may need help with it at first, but should figure out how to do it independently pretty quickly. You can also ask them to spell your own words using the wooden letters.
http://www.melissaanddoug.com/see-and-spell-learning-game?alt=1
Melissa and Doug talking alphabet puzzle allows kids to hear the sounds letters make as they take the pieces in and out. You can also use this later to have the child spell sight words.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/prodpop.jsp?LargeImageURL=http%3A//TRUS.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-2789209dt.jpg&displayTab=enh&productId=2267358&totCount=0
If you are lucky enough to come across Puppet Farm at a garage sale like Aly's Grammy then snatch it up. This fun, nine book easy reader set with matching finger puppets retails for $70 used and as high as $405 new on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Puppet-Farm-Caryn-Jenner/dp/1582091293
I got a deal at our local Marshall's on Match It sets by Learning Journey, only $5. I grabbed the Rhyme edition. Rhyming is a Kindergarten standard in Arizona.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Learning-Journey-Match-Rhyme/dp/B000HKVX18
I like to use the Step Into Reading Level 1 books for reading. They offer a variety of titles from favorite Disney characters to Bugs and Dancing Dino's. I find these at our local Kid to Kid store for $1 or buy them new at Barnes and Noble.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/big-bear-little-bear-disney/1110627442?ean=9780606263917
We also love the Now I'm Reading Series by Innovative Kids. This series is great for many reasons. You can buy travel size versions of the books in a little collection of ten phonics books that are kept in place with clear plastic holders and the whole kit n kaboodle has a magnetic closure. The books come with stickers that reward the child for reading the books. There is a special spot in the front of each book for the stickers. They also offer additional supplies like a word dominoes game. It also has reviews and comprehension questions to guide parents with teaching reading and comprehension. We got our first 20 books and parents guide for free through a children's book club. I've found them every where from Albertson's to local independent toy retailers.
http://www.innovativekids.com/content/view/204/400/
Don't forget workbooks. My daughter loves doing workbook pages. I got an idea from Pinterest to put clear plastic sheets in a binder, slide the workbook pages in, and use white erase markers so the pages can be used repeatedly. We call this her busy book and also bring it to restaurant or places she will need to be entertained for a while. We like School Zone workbooks but their are also good Sesame Street themed ones available at our local Dollar Tree.
Let me know what products you like for teaching reading in the comment section.
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