Sight Words

Learning Sight Words can be a challenge. Worse, it can be boring. But there is help!

Why Sight Words?

Sight Words (sometimes called the Dolch Word List) are some of the most frequently used words in the English language. Even though they number only about 200, Sight Words make up approximately 50 to 70 percent of any given general, non-technical text. Therefore, teaching Sight Words as early as possible is considered a crucial part of elementary education.

More About Sight Words

Reading is one of the most critical skills taught at school. It is virtually impossible for a person to live a productive life in our society without being functionally literate. Children with reading difficulties will undoubtedly have trouble mastering nearly all school subjects even if they are motivated to study. Conversely, children who learn to read in the early grades acquire one of the most basic skills needed to continue their education and be fully-functional as adults. In many schools students are expected to be able to read simple material by the end of the second grade. One of the most important goals in teaching young students to read is making sure they are completely proficient with Sight Words.

There are two additional reasons why it is important to give Sight Words an extra priority. Firstly, phonetic analysis can't be applied to many of these words. Secondly, quite a few of them cannot be taught through pictures (e.g. "if", "soon", "but", etc.).

Even though it may take a considerable effort for children to learn the entire Dolch Word List, it is well worth it. Having the ability to recognize these words can dramatically increase confidence and improve reading proficiency of the beginning reader.

Because complete fluency with Sight Words is the foundation of literacy, a variety of techniques are used to teach them to children. Repetition and practice are very important in making Sight Words recognition automatic. For example, there are numerous group activities that help in teaching Dolch Word List in elementary school setting. These activities are often supplemented by interactive games that involve flashcards and computer software.

Clearly, exercises and games like the ones presented on this website can be most valuable when used as a part of a comprehensive reading education program that employs a variety of materials and activities.