Preschool Sight Words (Pre-K List)
This is a short, gentle sight word list for preschool: 20 starter words chosen from the Dolch pre-primer list, such as I, a, the, see and can. The full list is printed below. Your child can look at the words on big flash cards or tap the right word among four large tiles. There is no timer anywhere, no login and no ads.
Preschool sight words
20 starter sight words for pre-K
Preschool starter words (from the Dolch pre-primer list)(20 words)
- I
- a
- the
- see
- can
- go
- me
- my
- is
- it
- in
- up
- we
- you
- and
- look
- to
- big
- red
- run
Print big preschool word cards (8 per page)
Is a pre-K sight word list really needed?
Sight words in preschool are optional. At three and four, the things that matter most are being read to every day, talking a lot, playing with rhymes and learning a few letter sounds. A child who has all of that is in great shape for kindergarten, whether or not they know a single sight word.
Some preschoolers get curious about words on their own, though. They point at signs, ask what a cereal box says, or want to "read" like an older sibling. If that sounds like your child, these 20 words are a friendly place to start. If not, put the list away and come back in a few months.
Signs your preschooler is ready for sight words
- Knows most letter names and is picking up some letter sounds.
- Recognizes their own name in print.
- Asks what words say, or pretends to read books aloud.
- Can sit for a five-minute game and enjoys it.
None of these is a test. If your child shows two or three of them and seems interested, try a few words and watch how it goes.
Three preschool words a week, one card at a time
Pick just three words for the week. I, a and see are a nice first set. Show one card at a time, say the word, and let your child say it back. On the big flash cards, your child taps "I know it" or "Not yet", and not-yet cards come back later in the same session.
In find the word, the word is said and your child taps it among four big tiles, ten rounds in all. Words are read aloud by your device's built-in voice, when it has one; otherwise the word is shown and a grown-up can read it. Stop while your child still wants more.
Pre-K word play away from the screen
- Fridge words: stick your child's name and one word of the week on the fridge and read them together at breakfast.
- Bath words: foam letters or a wet card on the tile wall make up and go feel like a game.
- Point while reading: when the or I comes up in a picture book, pause and let your child find it.
Moving on from the 20 preschool starter words
When most of the 20 words feel quick and easy, your child is ready for the rest of the Dolch pre-primer list, which has 40 words in all. Later comes the combined list of kindergarten sight words. Letter sounds keep growing alongside, and simple CVC words like cat and sun are the natural next step for sounding out.
Frequently asked questions
How many sight words should a preschooler know?
There is no target for preschool. Knowing none is completely fine. If your child enjoys it, a handful of words by the start of kindergarten is a nice bonus, not a goal.
Why these 20 preschool words and not others?
They come from the Dolch pre-primer list and are short, common and useful. Several make real sentences together, like "I see a big dog", so your child can read something early.
My preschooler gets upset when a word is wrong. What should I do?
Say the word yourself, smile, and move on. Finish with a word your child knows well. If it keeps happening, take a break for a couple of weeks.
Are the preschool flash cards big enough for small hands?
Yes. The word fills most of the card and the buttons are large, so a three- or four-year-old can tap them easily on a phone or tablet.
Does my child have to talk to the preschool game?
No. Your child taps to answer, and the site never uses the microphone. Progress is kept on this device only.