| List | Words | For example |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-primer sight words | 40 | a and away big blue can come down |
| Primer sight words | 52 | all am are at ate be black brown |
| Kindergarten sight words | 92 | a and away big blue can come down |
| First grade sight words | 41 | after again an any as ask by could |
| Second grade sight words | 47 | always around because been before best both buy |
| Third grade sight words | 40 | about better bring carry clean cut done draw |
| Dolch nouns | 96 | apple baby back ball bear bed bell bird |
What are sight words?
Sight words are the short, common words that turn up on almost every page a child reads: the, and, is, you. Children practice them until they know each one at a glance.
What is the Dolch list?
Edward William Dolch published a list of frequently used words in 1936, in an article called "A Basic Sight Vocabulary" in The Elementary School Journal, and again in 1948 in his book Problems in Reading. He described 220 service words and a separate list of nouns. The service words are usually given in five levels, from pre-primer to third grade. The Wikipedia article Dolch word list, which we read on 3 October 2026, lists 221 words across the five levels and 97 nouns.
Schools choose their own sight word lists, and some use other lists. Ask your child's teacher which words the class is working on. For a class list of your own, the spelling practice page turns any words you type in into a game.
Games, phrases and printables
- Sight word games: one game with every level to choose from.
- Sight word phrases: short phrases and sentences made only of sight words.
- Dolch sight words: the whole list on one page, A to Z.
- Sight word word search: twelve words from a level hidden in a grid, to solve on the screen or print.
- Sight word flash cards, sight word bingo, sight word worksheets and a sight word checklist: free to print, for any level or your own words.
How to practice sight words here
- Pick a level. Each list page has every word on it and a game that uses those words.
- Type each word as it comes up. A child sees the word, says it, and types it. The hands show which finger to use.
- Twelve words a lap. Every lap is in a new order.
The typing games use letters from the whole keyboard, so they suit a child who has met most of the letters. For a first day at the keyboard, start with typing for beginners. For the game's own sight word lessons, see sight words typing practice.
The full game
Bumpy Keys is a typing game for ages 4 to 9 that we make. Its lessons include sight words, and all 100 lessons are free in two worlds. Download it free for iPad and Mac, or play online.
Questions
What are the Dolch sight words?
A list of frequently used words published by Edward William Dolch in 1936 and again in 1948. It is usually given in five levels, from pre-primer to third grade, with a separate list of nouns.
How many Dolch sight words are there?
Dolch described 220 service words and a separate list of nouns. The article we read lists 221 words across the five levels and 97 nouns.
Are these the words my school uses?
They may not be. Schools choose their own sight word lists. Ask the teacher for the class list.
Are the games free?
Yes. There are no ads and nothing to sign up for.