Sight words are common words, like the, and, was and said, that children learn to recognize instantly. Many do not follow regular phonics rules, so practice and repetition help. Here are seven ways to make it fun.
Start with a small group
Teach three to five words at a time. When your child can read them quickly, add a few more. Our flash card sets are organised by level, starting with Pre-Primer, then Primer, Grade 1 and beyond.
1. Flash card sprints
Hold up a card and have your child read it. Keep sessions under five minutes. Cards they know go in the 'yes' pile, the rest go back for tomorrow.
2. Memory match
Print two copies of each card and play a matching game. Reading the word each time you flip a card builds recall.
3. Treasure hunt
Hide cards around the room. Your child finds a card, reads it aloud and brings it back.
4. Write it three ways
Have your child trace, then write it with a marker, then spell it with magnets or letter tiles.
5. Find it in a book
Pick a word of the day and hunt for it on the page while you read together. Seeing words in context matters.
6. Build sentences
Once your child knows a handful of words, put them together into simple sentences. Cut up a sentence and let them rearrange it.
7. Celebrate progress
Keep a simple chart or jar. Add a sticker or a pom-pom for each new word learned. Small wins keep kids motivated.
Pair sight words with phonics
Sight words work best alongside phonics. If your child is still learning letter sounds, practise with Beginning Sounds Worksheets and CVC Words Worksheets as well.
Browse the full range in Alphabet & Phonics.