A sight word sort gives children repeated chances to look closely at a whole word. Start with two turkey mats, then help children find the feathers that match each model. Use a short reread at the end so the station includes reading as well as visual matching.
At a glance
Use two contrasting model words, check each letter from left to right, and read the matched words together.
1. Choose two easy-to-distinguish words
Pick familiar words with visibly different letters. Save pairs such as was and saw for later, when children are ready to compare the order carefully.
2. Model one matching feather
Read the word on the mat. Pick a feather, line it up below the model, and point across both words. Place the feather on the mat after the letters match.
3. Find the other copies
Ask the child to find the remaining matching feathers one at a time. Read each match aloud together or have the child indicate which word it matches.
4. Add one close comparison
Once the routine is familiar, introduce two words that share a letter or ending. Ask which letter or position gives the answer. Keep both models visible for reference.
5. Move from matching to reading
Turn over the mats and show one feather at a time. If a child matches the printed words but cannot read them yet, model the word and return to it during the next lesson.
A classroom example
In a fictional group, Suri puts saw with was. Her teacher covers all but the first letter on both words. Suri checks the first letter, finds the other mat, and reads saw with her teacher.
Companion printable
The 13-page editable PDF has 12 turkey mats, 36 matching feathers, setup directions, and a recording sheet. Use a desktop PDF reader with form support to customize the model words.
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