Dolch Pre-Primer Sight Word Worksheets
These pre-primer sight word worksheets cover the first 40 words most preschool and kindergarten readers meet, like “the,” “to,” and “is.” Each printable mixes tracing, writing, and simple sentence practice so early readers build automatic word recognition before they can sound every word out.
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Free to print for home, classroom and homeschool use. The answer key prints on page 2.
Dolch Pre-Primer Sight Words Worksheet
Preschool / Kindergarten
Trace each word, then write it on your own in the empty space.
Circle the sight word each time you find it in the box.
Write the correct sight word in each blank. Word bank: red, where, said, find, look, to
Answer Key
Dolch Pre-Primer Sight Words Worksheet
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How to teach automatic recognition of the 40 Dolch pre-primer sight words
- 1
Introduce five words at a time
Show the printed word card, say it aloud, and have your child repeat it before starting the worksheet so they see the whole word first.
- 2
Trace with a finger, then a pencil
Have kids trace each letter with a finger on the page before picking up a pencil to build the motor memory of the word shape.
- 3
Use the word in a spoken sentence
Ask your child to make up a silly sentence using the sight word out loud before writing it on the page.
- 4
Flash the words after the worksheet
Cut the finished sheet into word strips and flash them for five seconds each to check for instant recognition.
Common mistakes kids make
- Sounding out every letter instead of recognizing the word on sight — cover the word and ask for instant recall instead.
- Skipping words that don't follow regular spelling patterns — point out that words like “said” must simply be memorized.
- Writing the word too small to read back — use the wide practice lines provided and check letter size together.
- Rushing through all 40 words in one sitting — review five to eight new words per week for better retention.
Tips for parents and teachers
- Post finished sight word sheets on the fridge so kids see the words daily outside of worksheet time.
- Pair each worksheet with a picture book that repeats the same sight word for extra exposure.
- Keep a running “word wall” of mastered words to build confidence over the school year.
Grade alignment
This worksheet supports Common Core standard RF.K.3.C, typically taught in Preschool-Kindergarten. Use it for practice, homework, review or a timed check of fluency.
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Open worksheetFrequently asked questions
What are sight words?
Sight words are common words that readers are taught to recognize instantly, without sounding them out, because many don't follow regular spelling rules.
What is the Dolch pre-primer list?
It's the first of five Dolch word lists, containing 40 of the most frequent words in early children's books, designed for preschool and kindergarten readers.
How many sight words should a kindergartner know?
Most kindergarten programs expect students to recognize 25-40 pre-primer and primer sight words by the end of the school year.
Are these worksheets free to print?
Yes, every sight word worksheet on this page is free to download and print as a PDF for home or classroom use.
Do the worksheets come with an answer key?
Yes, printable sheets that require writing or matching include an answer key so parents and teachers can check work quickly.
How is this different from the Fry word list?
Dolch lists are grouped by grade readiness level, while Fry lists rank words purely by frequency in printed English text.