Choose three to five sight words at a time. Once the child can recognize these words by sight as opposed to sounding them out and can do so on three separate but consecutive occasions (typically three days in a row), move on to the next set of sight words.
Sound out the words with them before you treat them as sight words. Phonics is important to reading in general, and children who understand phonics have an easier time learning to read, according to ReadingRockets.org.
Write the sight words on index cards. If the child can print well, have her write the words on cards as well. Have the child say the word aloud as she looks at the word on the card. Stimulating her visual, auditory and tactile senses will help her commit the word to memory faster.
Get creative. Have the child, on his own or with your help, form the words out of modeling clay. Use sidewalk chalk to write the words outside. Make the words out of foam tub letters during bath time. Put the words on the fridge with magnetic letters. Use a child's innate desire to play to your advantage and turn learning into a play-like activity.
If the words happen to be household objects, tape the index card for that word onto the object. For example, tape the word "couch" to the real couch. This will make the word concrete for the child.
Tell your child that you will be playing "word detective." As you read to your child, whenever you come across one of the sight words, point to the word and see if she recognizes it. If not, tell her the word and praise her for trying. Tell her to see if she can find the sight word somewhere on the page before you do. This will increase her exposure to the words. When you or the child finds a sight word, use an excited tone.
Set up a reward system. Rewards do not have to be physical things such as toys or stickers. You can use verbal praise or offer perks such as allowing the child to choose Friday night's restaurant. As long as you reward the child somehow for mastering the sight words, learning will become a fun and positive experience. Then, the child will be eager to tackle the next set of sight words, rather than dread it.