Finding interesting and motivating techniques that help students remember sight words is an ongoing dilemma in classrooms. By incorporating the use of sign language, and more specifically a game called Sign-o, into their day, teachers can increase students' recall and retention of sight words. This article discusses the rationale of using sign language, gives directions for playing Sign-o, provides extension activities, and includes a game board ready for duplication.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Beck, I.L., Perfetti, C.A., & McKeown, M.G. (1982). The effects of long-term vocabulary instruction on lexical access and reading comprehension. Journal of Educational Psychology, 74, 506-521.
2.
Browder, D., & Shear, S.M. (1996). Interspersal of known items in a treatment package to teach sight words to students with behavior disorders. The Journal of Special Education, 29, 400-414.
3.
Costello, E. (1995). Signing: How to speak with your hands. New York: Bantam.
4.
Greenberg, J.C., Vernon, M., Dubois, J.H., & McKnight, J.C. (1982). The language arts handbook: A total communication approach. Baltimore: University Park Press.
5.
Jitendra, A., DaCosta, J., Policare, E., & Wetherhold, B. (1997). Teaching sign language to children with behavior disorders: A direct instruction approach. Preventing School Failure, 41, 137-145.
6.
Laflamme, J.G. (1997). The effect of the multiple exposure sight words method and the target reading/writing strategy on test scores. Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, 40, 372-382.
7.
Marino, G., & Gerger, B.L. (1990). A total communication reading program. Teaching Exceptional Children, 22, 33-35.
8.
McKeown, M.G., Beck, I.L., Omanson, R.C., & Perfetti, C.A. (1983). The effects of long-term vocabulary instruction on reading comprehension: A replication. Journal of Reading Behavior, 15, 3-18.
9.
McKeown, M.G., Beck, I.L., Omanson, R.C., & Pople, M.T. (1985). Some effects of the nature and frequency of vocabulary instruction on the knowledge and use of words. Reading Research Quarterly, 20, 522-533.
10.
Poulton, K.T., & Algozzine, B. (1980). Manual communication and mental retardation: A review of research and implications. American Journal ofmental Deficiency, 85, 145-152.
11.
Riekehof, L.L. (1987). The joy of signing. Springfield, MO: Gospel.
12.
Stanovich, K. (1994). Constructivism in reading education. The Journal of Special Education, 28, 259-275.
13.
Towell, J. (1998). Fun with sight words. The Reading Teacher, 51, 356-360.