How to Teach Sight Words: 10 Simple Activities That Work

Sight words are the small, very common words (the, and, said, was) that show up in almost every sentence. When kids can read them instantly, reading gets smoother and they can spend their effort on new words.

Which sight word list should I use?

The Dolch levels are pre-primer (40 words), primer (52), first grade (41), second grade (46) and third grade (41). Your school may use its own list, so ask the teacher.

How many sight words a week?

For beginners, 3 to 5 new words a week is plenty. Add more once your child keeps up easily. Keep reviewing old words, because they fade without practice.

A simple 5-minute routine

1. See it: show the word on a card.
2. Say it: read it together.
3. Spell it: say each letter while pointing.
4. Write it: trace it, then write it.
5. Use it: read or say a short sentence with it.

10 sight word activities

1. Flashcard flip: quick review, put "got it" and "almost" cards in separate piles.
2. Sight word bingo: call the word, kids find it on their card.
3. Word hunt: find this week's words in a picture book.
4. Rainbow writing: trace each word in three colors.
5. Slap it: spread cards on the table and slap the word you call.
6. Build it: spell words with magnetic letters or letter tiles.
7. Hopscotch: read the word in each square before hopping.
8. Word search: find and circle the week's words.
9. Fill the sentence: "I ___ a dog." Pick the right word card.
10. Beat the timer: how many can you read in 30 seconds?

Sight words and phonics work together

Many "sight words" are mostly decodable (and, it, can), and others have just one tricky part (the "ai" in said). Point out the parts that follow the rules and the part that doesn't. Pair sight words with word family practice (-at, -an, -ig) so kids learn to sound out new words too.