Sight Words Tracing Worksheets
Trace and write the Dolch sight words, ten at a time or the whole list, from pre-primer (Pre-K) through third grade.
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Sight words by grade
How to make sight word worksheets
- Choose a list Pre-primer, primer, first, second or third grade.
- Choose the words Ten words at a time, or the whole list over several pages.
- Set rows and style Add extra tracing rows or empty rows; print or cursive letters.
- Print Download the PDF and practise a few words each day.
What are sight words?
Sight words are the short, common words that make up a large part of everything children read: the, and, is, you, said, was. Many do not follow regular phonics rules, so children learn to recognise them instantly “by sight” instead of sounding them out. Knowing them frees attention for decoding the harder words in a sentence.
The Dolch lists
Edward Dolch published his list of 220 “service words” in 1936, drawn from the most frequent words in children’s books. The lists are grouped by the level at which they are usually taught, and they are still the most widely used sight word lists in US classrooms.
| List | Usually taught in | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-primer | Pre-K | 40 |
| Primer | Kindergarten | 52 |
| First grade | First grade | 41 |
| Second grade | Second grade | 46 |
| Third grade | Third grade | 41 |
Why write them, not just read them?
Writing a word engages a different memory than reading it. Tracing builds the letter sequence in the hand, and writing it alone afterwards checks spelling. A good routine is: read the word, trace it saying each letter, then write it on an empty line without looking.
Guides
Frequently asked questions
How many sight words should a kindergartener know?
Many kindergarten programs aim for the 40 pre-primer and 52 primer Dolch words by the end of the year, about 90 words in total.
What is the difference between Dolch and Fry sight words?
Dolch has 220 service words plus 95 nouns, grouped by grade. Fry lists the 1,000 most common words in frequency order. These worksheets use the Dolch lists.
How many sight words should we practise at a time?
Five to ten new words a week works well for most young children, with regular review of earlier words.
Can I trace sight words in cursive?
Yes. Change the letter style to Cursive.
Kindergarten sight words 
CVC words 
Word tracing 
Name tracing