Let’s dive into the world of “red words”! These are those special words that we often see in books and stories, words like “the,” “and,” and “see.” Red words are also known as sight words, high-frequency words, and heart words. These terms all refer to the same group of frequently used words that young children are encouraged to memorize by sight.  

Red Words might seem a little tricky because they don’t always sound out the way we expect. But guess what? They are super important for little ones learning to read! Knowing these words quickly helps them read more smoothly and understand stories better. Here are some fun and exciting multisensory activities that will make learning red words with a multisensory approach feel like play!

Kinesthetic learners are those who learn best through movement and physical activity. For these active little ones, sitting still to memorize red words can be a challenge. These activities turn red word practice into an exciting adventure, helping kinesthetic learners build strong word recognition skills through hands-on, engaging experiences. So, get ready to jump, twist, and move your way to red word mastery!

#1 Red Word Hop

Write red words on pieces of paper and spread them out on the floor. Then, call out a red word and have the child hop to that word. As they land on each word, encourage them to say it aloud. For added fun, you can turn it into a race with multiple children, or create a path of red words that they have to hop along in order.

#2 Red Word Scavenger Hunt

Hide red word flashcards or write red words on small pieces of paper and hide them around a designated area. Give the child a list of the words they need to find, or simply let them discover the words as they go. As they find each word, have them read it aloud. You can make it more challenging by adding clues or setting a time limit.

#3 Red Word Twister

Create a large grid on the floor using masking tape. Write a red word in each square of the grid. Then, call out instructions like “right hand on ‘the'” or “left foot on ‘and’.” Children must twist and stretch to reach the correct words with their hands and feet.

Visual learners are those who learn best through seeing and observing. For these learners, incorporating visual elements into red word activities is key. From colorful flashcards to interactive games, these activities will make learning red words a visually stimulating and enjoyable experience.

#4 Red Word Flashcards

Create flashcards with red words written clearly on one side. You can use different colors or add simple pictures to make them more visually appealing. Show the child a flashcard and have them read the word aloud. Repeat with multiple cards, gradually increasing the pace as their recognition improves. Introduce games like “Flashcard Concentration” (matching pairs), “Slap the Word” (children slap the correct card when called out), or “Build a Sentence” (using flashcards to create simple sentences). You can also encourage children to sort the flashcards based on different criteria, such as word length, beginning letter, or rhyming words. This helps them analyze and categorize red words visually.

#5 Red Word Bingo

Create bingo cards with a grid of squares, filling each square with a red word. Make sure each card has a different arrangement of words to keep things interesting. Next, prepare a set of cards or tiles with the same red words that appear on the bingo cards. Shuffle these and draw them one at a time, calling out each word as you go. The children will then look for the called-out word on their bingo card and mark it with a token if they find it. The first child to mark a complete row, whether it’s horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, shouts “Bingo!” and wins the game. You can easily adapt this game for different ages and skill levels. For younger children, use pictures instead of words on the bingo cards. You can also have children write the words on their cards themselves, or change up the winning pattern by playing four corners or blackout.

BINGO BOARD (Free Download)

#6 Red Word Memory Match

Design pairs of cards with red words written on them. You can make your own cards or use pre-made flashcards. Lay the cards face down on a flat surface, arranging them in rows. Players take turns flipping two cards at a time, trying to find matching red words. If they find a match, they keep the pair and take another turn. If the cards don’t match, they flip them back over and the next player takes a turn. The game continues until all the pairs have been matched. The player with the most pairs at the end wins!

Auditory learners are those who learn best through listening and hearing. For these learners, incorporating sounds and music into red word activities can be highly effective. From catchy songs to interactive call-and-response games, these activities will make learning red words a fun and memorable auditory experience.

#7 Red Word Songs

Start by selecting a song that the child already knows and enjoys, such as “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” or “The Wheels on the Bus.” Then, substitute some of the original lyrics with red words, keeping the melody and rhythm intact. For example, you could sing “Twinkle, twinkle little star, I know a red word, it is far.” Try to keep the lyrics simple and repetitive, using the red words multiple times throughout the song. To make it even more interactive, incorporate hand gestures, clapping, or dancing along with the music. Feel free to be creative and experiment with different tunes, lyrics, and actions to create your own unique red word songs that your child will love singing and learning from.

#8 Red Word Call and Response

Start with a small group of red words that your child is learning. Clearly say one of the red words from your list. Have the child repeat the word back to you. You can also ask them to use the word in a simple sentence. Continue calling out different red words and having the child respond. To keep it engaging, vary the pace and tone of your voice, or add hand gestures or movements. As the child becomes more comfortable, gradually increase the number of red words or introduce more challenging variations, such as asking them to spell the word or use it in a more complex sentence.

#9 Red Word Storytelling

Begin by selecting a simple starting point for your story, such as “Once upon a time, there was a little dog.” Each person participating in the storytelling takes turns adding one or two red words to the story, continuing the narrative. Use the red words to create a fun and engaging story, incorporating different characters, settings, and events. Make sure that the red words are used naturally and meaningfully within the context of the story. Have fun and experiment! Feel free to add your own creative touches to the story, such as using different voices, sound effects, or even props.

Tactile learners are those who learn best through touch and hands-on experiences. For these learners, incorporating physical manipulation and sensory activities into red word practice is essential. From squishy playdough to hands-on puzzles, these activities will make learning red words a tactile and engaging experience.

#10 Red Word Playdough

Children can practice their red words with playdough in a variety of hands-on ways. One way is to use playdough mats with red words written on them. Children can roll out the playdough and form the letters of the words, tracing over the outlines on the mat. Another way is to simply give children a set of red word flashcards and have them recreate the words using playdough. They can roll out the dough into long “snakes” and shape them into letters, building each word one letter at a time.

#11 Red Word Tracing

You will need red words written on paper, sandpaper, or other textured surfaces. You can also use red word flashcards or worksheets with traceable letters. Children can use their fingers, crayons, markers, or even textured objects like sandpaper or fabric scraps to trace the letters. Have children carefully trace over the letters of the red words, saying the letters and words aloud as they go.

Encourage children to trace each word multiple times, focusing on the formation of the letters and the overall shape of the word.  You can vary the activity by using different colors, textures, or writing tools. For example, children can trace red words in shaving cream, sand, or even with their eyes closed.

#12 Red Word Puzzles

Crossword puzzles: Design a simple crossword puzzle with red words as the answers. You can create clues based on the word’s meaning, use it in a sentence, or even draw a picture representing the word.

Word searches:  Create a grid of letters and hide red words within it. You can arrange the words horizontally, vertically, diagonally, or even backward to make it more challenging.

Letter mazes: Draw a maze with red words hidden along the path. Children can navigate the maze and find the words as they go.

Matching puzzles: Create cards with red words and corresponding pictures or definitions. Children can then match the words to their corresponding pairs.

Scrambled letters: Write red words with their letters scrambled. Children can unscramble the letters to form the correct word.

Remember, the key to mastering red words is consistent practice and exposure. By incorporating these multisensory activities into your daily routine, you can create a fun and engaging learning environment that caters to every child’s unique learning style. So, go ahead and hop, sing, trace, and play your way to red word success!

We Have a Resource for You!

Thank you for reading this post today. You might also enjoy reading:

Understanding Dyslexia: A Guide for Parents and Teachers

Please don’t leave without checking out the PRIDE Reading Program.  This Orton-Gillingham, structured literacy curriculum is used by teachers, tutors, and parents worldwide with great success.

Karina Richland, M.A., is the author of the PRIDE Reading Program, a multisensory Orton-Gillingham reading, writing, and comprehension curriculum that is available worldwide for parents, tutors, teachers, and homeschoolers of struggling readers. Karina has an extensive background in working with students of all ages and various learning modalities. She has spent many years researching learning differences and differentiated teaching practices. You can reach her by email at info@pridereadingprogram.com or visit the website at www.pridereadingprogram.com