Learning Worksheets Sight Words
Free printable PDFs · ages 4–8
Sight Word Worksheets: Free Dolch Printables from Pre-Primer to Second Grade
One free worksheet for each of the 179 Dolch sight words, from pre-primer to second grade. Children read the word, trace it, write it, find it in a word grid and trace a short sentence.
Free PDFs · A4 or US Letter · No sign-up
Four Dolch lists, 179 words: pick the list your child is working on.
Pick a word
Pre-primer sight words (40)
Start here. These are the first 40 Dolch words, usually taught in preschool. Tap a word to open its worksheet.
Next step
Primer sight words (52)
The next 52 Dolch words, usually taught in kindergarten. Each page has teaching tips, example sentences and a quick game.
Then
First grade sight words (41)
The 41 Dolch first grade words, usually taught around ages 6 to 7. Many are question and time words such as how, when, after and again.
After that
Second grade sight words (46)
The 46 Dolch second grade words, usually taught around ages 7 to 8. Look out for tricky spellings like because, their, would and write.
How to Teach Sight Words in 5 Steps
- See it: show the word on a card and read it aloud together.
- Say it: ask your child to read it back three times, quickly and slowly.
- Trace and write it: use the worksheet to trace the big word, then write it alone.
- Find it: circle the word in the word grid, then hunt for it in a favourite book.
- Use it: read the sentence on the worksheet and make up one of your own.
Keep sessions to 10 minutes and stop while it is still fun. Review old words before adding a new one.
Sight words grouped to make practice easier
You do not have to teach the lists in alphabetical order. Many teachers start with the words that appear most in books, then add small groups that belong together:
- Start here: the, a, and, I, to, is
- Colour words: red, blue, yellow, black, brown, white
- Number words: one, two, three, four
- Question words: where, what, who
- People words: I, me, you, we, he, she, they
- Past-tense words: said, came, ran, saw, went, ate, did, was
- Rule-breakers to practise most: said, come, one, two, you, the, was, are, there, what
- Time and order words (first and second grade): after, again, once, then, when, before, first, always
- More question words: how, when, which, why
- Words that show who owns something: her, his, its, their, your
- Words with digraphs to pair with digraph worksheets: them, thank, think, which, wish, wash, those, these
- Silent-letter rule-breakers: know, could, would, write, walk
Free sight word flash cards
Print every word as cut-out flash cards. Use them for snap, memory or a quick daily review.
Pre-primer flash cards (40 words)
PDF, 107 KB · A4 · 2 pages
Primer flash cards (52 words)
PDF, 146 KB · A4 · 3 pages
First grade flash cards (41 words)
PDF, 133 KB · A4 · 3 pages
Second grade flash cards (46 words)
PDF, 148 KB · A4 · 3 pages
Ready to blend? Pair sight words with our CVC word worksheets, which build reading through word families like -at and -og.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are sight words?
Sight words are very common words that children learn to recognise instantly, without sounding them out. Many of them, like the, said and you, do not follow regular phonics patterns.
What are the Dolch sight word lists?
In the 1930s and 1940s, Edward William Dolch listed the words that appear most often in children’s books. The pre-primer list has 40 words and is usually taught in preschool; the primer list adds 52 more, usually in kindergarten. The first grade list (41 words) and second grade list (46 words) follow, usually between ages 6 and 8.
Which list should my child start with?
Start with the pre-primer words. When your child reads most of them quickly, move on to the primer list, then first grade and second grade. Our pages are grouped by list so you always know where you are.
What age should my child start sight words?
Most children are ready between 4 and 6, once they know most letter sounds and enjoy being read to. There is no rush: a few words a week is plenty.
How many sight words should we practise at once?
Start with two or three words. Add a new one when your child reads the current words quickly on three different days.
Can I use these worksheets in my classroom?
Yes. Every worksheet is free for home and classroom use. Please share the page link rather than re-uploading the PDF.
Can you make a worksheet on another topic?
We would love to hear your idea. Email us at parentoven@gmail.com.
More Free Reading Worksheets
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