This complete list of kindergarten sight words will help you kick-start reading for your students! Learning sight words is an essential part of kindergarten education. These are words that children should be able to recognize instantly, without having to sound them out.
By mastering sight words, children can improve their reading fluency and comprehension. In this guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about kindergarten sight words, including lists, activities, and tips to make learning fun and effective.
What are sight words?
Sight words are words that children should be able to recognize instantly, without having to sound them out. These words are often high-frequency words that appear frequently in written text. By mastering sight words, children can improve their reading fluency and comprehension. Sight words are important because they provide a foundation for reading and writing, and they help children become more confident and successful readers.
What sight words should Kindergarteners know?
There are many lists available to help children master them. Some common sight word lists for kindergarten include the Dolch sight word list, the Fry sight word list, and the Oxford sight word list. Below you will find a list of sight words that Kindergarteners should know. This is list I used with my students as a kindergarten teacher.
By practicing these words regularly, children can improve their reading fluency and comprehension. If your child is already in school, I recommend reaching out to your child’s teacher to find out what list they are using. You can often times find this list on your school district’s website.
List of Kindergarten Sight Words
Here is a list of the sight words that Kindergarteners should know:
- a
- all
- am
- an
- and
- are
- at
- big
- but
- by
- can
- come
- day
- did
- do
- for
- get
- go
- going
- got
- has
- have
- he
- her
- here
- I
- in
- is
- it
- like
- little
- look
- make
- me
- my
- no
- not
- now
- oh
- on
- out
- put
- said
- see
- she
- so
- that
- the
- they
- this
- to
- too
- up
- us
- want
- we
- went
- with
- yes
- you
This list includes 60 of the most common high-frequency words that children should learn to read and identify in Kindergarten.
How many sight words should a kindergartener know?
Kindergarten students should know at least 25 sight words by the end of the school year. Please keep in mind that kindergarten children should be able to read and identify 25 words, not write or spell them.
Oftentimes, students are introduced to way more than 25 sight words during their Kindergarten year. This is helpful because, by the time children finish first grade, they should be able to identify and read 100 high-frequency words. They should also be starting to learn how to spell and write many of them too!
Kindergarten Sight Words Printable List
It can be helpful to have a printable kindergarten sight word list! This list can be printed and sent home with parents for extra practice or even added to a homework folder. You can also keep extra copies of this sight word list in the car for practice on the go! You can print this sight word list for free my joining my email list.
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Free Printable Sight Word Flashcards
Flashcards can be a helpful tool for learning sight words and can be used for many different games and activities. You can print these Free Printable Sight Word Flashcards and start learning with the activities and games below!
Kindergarten Sight Word Activities and Games
Learning sight words doesn’t have to be boring! There are many fun activities you can do with your child to help them master these important words. Here are a few of my favorite activities for learning sight words. All of these activities can be
Sight Word Search and Find
To play this game, simply draw a flashcard out of the deck and find that word in a book or magazine. TO begin this game, play it with 1 or 2 words at a time.
Swat It Game
Spread a few of the flashcards out on a table and give your child a clean flyswatter. Say a word and your child will find it and hit it with a fly swatter!
Sensory Sight Word Writing
If your child is ready to start writing the words provide some fun sensory experiences to do so. Kids can write the words in shaving cream, sprinkles, salt, or even chocolate pudding!
Sight Word Scavenger Hunt
Tape 5-10 words around an area of your house or classroom. Have your child find and read each word. If your child is ready they can also practice writing each word.
Sidewalk Hop
Write different sight words in circles in your driveway with
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Tips for Practicing Sight Words at Home
Practicing sight words at home is a great way to help your child succeed in kindergarten. Here are some tips to make the most out of your practice sessions:
- Start with the most common words: Focus on the most frequently used sight words first, as these will be the most useful for your child to know.
- Use a variety of activities: Mix up your practice sessions with different activities, such as games, flashcards, and reading books.
- Make it fun: Incorporate your child’s interests into the practice sessions, such as using superhero-themed flashcards or playing a game of sight word basketball.
- Practice regularly: Consistency is key when it comes to learning sight words. Try to practice for a few minutes each day, rather than cramming in a lot of practice all at once.
- Celebrate progress: Celebrate your child’s progress and achievements along the way, whether it’s mastering a new word or reading a whole sentence on their own. Positive reinforcement can go a long way in motivating your child to continue practicing.
Related Post: Kindergarten Readiness Checklist for Parents
How to track your child’s progress and celebrate their success.
Keeping track of your child’s progress is important to see how far they’ve come and what areas they may need more practice in. You can create a chart or use a sight word app to track their progress. Celebrate their success by giving them praise, high-fives, or even a small reward like a sticker or a special treat. Remember to focus on the effort they put in rather than just the end result. This will help build their confidence and motivation to continue learning.
I hope this list of kindergarten sight words helps you prepare your little ones for a wonderful reading career!