Sight Words Memory Game

Kindergarten isn't what it used to be.  My daughter is well on her way to starting reading, and the one of our school's reading program's requirements is that our children memorize certain "sight words".  A few weeks ago, my daughter's teachers recommended that we create index cards with the sight words and play "Memory" as an educational and fun way to help our children learn their words.  Of course, being the crafty mom I am, I had to take it up a notch and make the game a bit prettier.  Plus, I think my daughter is more interested in playing the game if it looks pretty.  Heck, she's my child..what did you expect?

We call the game Flip Flop around here.  I think it's what the British call it.  My daughter picked up the terminology after countless hours of watching the Charlie and Lola, Vol. 1 DVD.  (We also call fish sticks "fish fingers" thanks to the show!)  If you have to memorize words, why not whip-up a set of Flip Flop cards for your house?  Here's the easy tutorial.

Sight Words Flip Flop Game

Tools and Supplies

• List of sight words
• 8.5" x 11" card stock, plain on one side, decorative on the other.  (I cut some pretty 12x12 scrapbook paper to size)
• Laminating machine, laminating paper. (If you don't have a laminating machine, you can buy laminating sheets of paper and do it without the machine.)
• Scissors
• Drawstring bag

Instructions

• Use word processing software to type your child's sight words into a 8.5" x 11" document.  I used a label template in Word to make sure the words were evenly spaced.  This enables you to easily make your game cards the same size and shape.
• Load your decorative card stock into your printer and print out the document.  Don't forget to the load the paper so that your document will print on the blank side of your paper!
• Cut your words apart.  Make sure the cards you cut are all the same size and shape. 
• Lay your cards onto laminating paper and run them through the machine per manufacturer's instructions.  If you are using paper without a machine, follow the instructions on the package
• Gather the cards together and keep them in small drawstring bag.
• Play regularly and smile to yourself.  Your children think they are playing...you know they are learning.