Sight Word FAQs

wHY ARE SIGHT WORDS SO IMPORTANT?

Sight words are so important since most of the words that children see are repeated in literature and text. By learning sight words, children will be able to instantly recognize these words which will help them to become fluent readers.

HOW SHOULD I TEACH SIGHT WORDS?

There are many ways to teach sight words. Sight words can be taught using sight word lists, sight word games, and sight word printables.

WHAT SHOULD I TEACH FIRST, SIGHT WORDS OR PHONICS?

Sight words are not a replacement for phonics. Sight words is memorization while phonics is learning about the sounds that the letters make. Children need both sight words and phonics in order to read.

HOW MANY SIGHT WORDS SHOULD MY CHILD KNOW?

The ultimate goal is for children to learn to read, write, and spell all of the sight words. However, as your child gets older they can increase their knowledge of the sight words and continue to advance.

WHAT AGE SHOULD I START TEACHING SIGHT WORDS?

There is no right age to begin teaching sight words, but most children begin learning sight words around 4 or 5 depending on their ability. In the beginning, parents can introduce 1-2 sight words a week and focus on those words then move on.