Why Should You Use Pyramid Readers?

A Pyramid Sentence is a stacked reading technique that allows readers to decode simple phrases one word at a time, building upon learned words.

This formulaic approach gives students a chance to sequentially read each word in a sentence, giving students confidence instead of feeling overwhelmed when faced with too many words at once. 

For example, a pyramid sentence that focuses on the sight word “After” might look like this: 

Let’s

Let’s go

Let’s go after

Let’s go after lunch

Let’s go after lunch today. 

In this way, students can read the individual words, or focus specifically on the high-frequency word in the text. 

Pyramid Reading with First-Grade Dolch Sight Words

This collection of 41 Dolch sight words Pyramid Reading Cards is designed for Grade 1 and 2 readers to practice reading simple sentences independently.

Students can use these cards to practice reading independently, with a partner, or teacher. ​

Use this resource in your reading center, as a guided reading activity for one on one tutoring, or a whole class exercise (see below). 

Scaffolding and Extension Tips + More Dolch Sight Word Activities

Challenge students who already understand the concept by shuffling the cards for a randomized reading approach or by covering the picture so they have no support.

Support students who need help understanding the concepts by annotating the text alongside them. Slip the cards into dry-erase sleeves and use a dry-erase marker to underline the sight word or other words that the student struggles to decode. Let them draw a star next to the phrase when they read the passage in full. 

Use this resource as independent practice for fast finishers, and full-class learning opportunities like lesson reviews, formative assessments, and more.

Show Me!

This game can be done as a whole-class review activity. Give each student a mini dry-erase board and a dry-erase marker. Project a card on the screen and have your students write it on their board. Then say “Show Me.” Students will flip their boards, allowing you to see who needs extra support.

Big Board Game

This game works best with your reading small group. Lay all the pieces out in one long line as if it were a human-sized board game. Divide students into 2 teams. Players take turns rolling a die and moving that number of spaces (the cards). When they land on a card, the student must identify the sight word on the card. If they are unable to provide an answer, they go back to their earlier position on the board. 

Swat! 

During small group instruction, create a grid of 5 cards on top of a table and give each student a fly swatter. Read the sight word of one of the visible letter cards and have the students swat the card you read. The first student to swat it correctly sets the card aside in their own pile to keep score. The student with the most cards wins. 

Easily Prepare This Resource for Your Students

Print on cardstock for added durability and longevity. Place all pieces in a folder or large envelope for easy access. 

Keep cards out of pockets or under desks: cut out the cards and punch a hole in the corner of each to place them on a binder ring. 

To turn this teaching resource into a sustainable activity, print a few recording sheets on cardstock and slip them into dry-erase sleeves. Students can write on the cards with a dry-erase marker if needed.

Before You Download

Use the dropdown icon on the Download button to choose between the PDF or Google Slides version of this resource. 

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This resource was created by Elise Trudel Cedeno, a teacher in Massachusetts and a Teach Starter Collaborator. 

 

Explore more Grade 1-level sight word activities like these, designed to help you cut down on valuable lesson planning time: