Learning Worksheets Sight Words Sight word “the”
Free printable PDF · Dolch pre-primer
Sight Word “the” Worksheet – Trace, Write and Find
“The” is the most common word in English. It appears in almost every sentence your child will read, which makes it the most useful sight word to learn first.
What’s on the “the” worksheet
Read and trace “the”, write it alone, circle it among then, they, he, them and tea, then trace “The cat is on the mat.”
Prints on A4 or US Letter (choose “Fit to page”).
How to teach “the”
The cannot be sounded out letter by letter: t and h join to make a new sound, and the e is soft, so it sounds like “thuh”. Show your child the th team by putting their tongue gently between their teeth. Then hunt for the in a favourite book.
Sentences with “the”
- The cat is on the mat.
- I like the red ball.
- The sun is hot.
- Look at the big tree.
Game: The-hunt in a book
Choose a picture book you know well. Give your child a sticky note arrow and ask them to find every the on one page. Count them together, then race to see if the next page has more or fewer.
Practise next
Try “a” and “and” next: they join the in nearly every early sentence.
Questions about “the”
Is it “thuh” or “thee”?
Both are correct. We usually say “thuh” before a consonant (the cat) and “thee” before a vowel (the apple). Children pick it up naturally from listening.
Why should the be the first sight word?
It is the most frequent word in English text, so recognising it instantly makes every book easier to read.
More answers in the sight words FAQ.
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Also try: CVC word worksheets · alphabet tracing · all free worksheets · bedtime stories