Sight word bingo works exactly like regular bingo, except that instead of a grid of numbers you use a grid of words. You can make the board out of anything, but a simple piece of paper with a 3-by-3 or 5-by-5 grid drawn on it will be sufficient. In each box, write one of the second-grade sight words. The caller then calls out words, and the student must recognize them on sight to mark them and eventually form a row, column or diagonal.
Students should get used to recognizing the words not only in the classroom, but at home. Create flashcards, one for each word, and have the child take them home. Also provide a list of the words. Have parents start by holding the flashcards and then showing them, one at a time, to their child. After the child says the correct word, move on to the next. Alternatively, the child can have the stack of flashcards, and the parent reads the words off of the list. The child then must search for the correct flashcard to show the parent.
Even second-graders know how to perform basic computer functions. You can take advantage of that to help them learn their sight words with "Fish for Words," a game designed around the Dolch list. The game reads them a word, then they must type it into a box and click on a net to see if they got it right. If they did, they are rewarded with a fish for their virtual fish tank. The game can be set for any skill level from preschool to fifth grade. The full version costs $14.95, but school discounts are available.
Simple word search puzzles are also a great way to get children to recognize Dolch words on sight. Simply create a grid of letters and hide the sight words among them. For this exercise, make the words go left to right since that is how you want the child to learn to recognize them. This helps the student to begin seeing these letters as part of a natural group.