What is the most appropriate way for a teacher to assess second graders' sight-word vocabulary?

Engaging students in reading published lists of high-frequency words is the most appropriate way to assess second graders' sight-word vocabulary because it directly aligns with their developmental stage and learning needs. Sight words are critical for developing reading fluency, as they are commonly encountered in texts and thus crucial for early literacy. By having students read lists of high-frequency words, the teacher can observe their recognition and recall of these words in a structured manner, providing a clear measure of their sight-word vocabulary.

This method allows for immediate feedback and clarity in understanding which words a student can recognize automatically, which is central to building their reading skills. It also provides a straightforward and supportive environment, where students can demonstrate their knowledge without the added stress of more complex assessment formats. Other methods, such as individual interviews or creative projects, may not specifically target the recognition of sight words and therefore would not provide the focused assessment necessary for evaluating this specific aspect of literacy.