Sight words for preschool
Sight words are the first step toward reading readiness for preschoolers (ages 3-5)! Unlike first grade sight words, preschool sight words are simple, high-frequency words that young children can learn to recognize by sight—laying the groundwork for phonics, fluency, and confidence before they enter kindergarten.
Preschoolers learn best through play, so mastering these basic sight words doesn’t have to feel like “work.” In this guide, we’ll share the core preschool sight words list, playful activities tailored to little learners, and actionable tips for parents and preschool teachers to make early literacy fun and effective. Whether you’re teaching at home or in a classroom, this resource is designed to help preschoolers build the foundational skills they need to become strong readers.
What Are Sight Words for Preschoolers?
Preschool sight words (also called “pre-primer sight words” or “preschool high-frequency words”) are simple, commonly used words that young children can learn to recognize instantly—without relying on phonics (since many preschoolers haven’t yet mastered letter sounds). These words are short, easy to say, and appear in everyday language (e.g., “mom,” “dad,” “go”), making them relatable for little kids.
Why Preschool Sight Words Matter
- Builds Pre-Reading Confidence: Recognizing even a few sight words lets preschoolers “read” simple phrases (e.g., “I go”), boosting their self-esteem.
- Connects Language to Print: Sight words help preschoolers understand that written words have meaning (linking spoken language to text).
- Prepares for Kindergarten: Mastering basic sight words eases the transition to formal reading instruction in kindergarten.
- Develops Attention & Memory: Learning sight words exercises preschoolers’ working memory—an important skill for all early learning.
Download Preschool Sight Words PDF
a, and, away, big, blue, can, come, down, find, for, funny, go, help, here, I, in, is, it, jump, little, look, make, me, my, not, one, play, red, run, said, see, the, three, to, two, up, we, where, yellow, you
Preschool Sight Words List
Preschoolers have short attention spans, so focus on 10-15 core words first (mastery over quantity!). Below is the most age-appropriate sight words for preschool (curated from Dolch Pre-Primer and preschool literacy standards):
Core Preschool Sight Words
- I
- am
- my
- me
- you
- is
- it
- in
- on
- go
- up
- down
- big
- little
- mom
- dad
- see
- say
- yes
- no
Bonus: Easy Noun Sight Words for Preschool
Add simple, concrete nouns (preschoolers relate to these!) to your practice:
- cat
- dog
- ball
- car
- book
- cup
Fun Preschool Sight Word Activities
Preschoolers learn through play—here are teacher and parent-approved activities to make sight word practice joyful and effective:
1. Sensory Sight Word Play
Little kids love tactile learning! Use sensory tools to make words tangible:
- Write sight words in shaving cream, sand, or playdough (let them trace the letters with their finger).
- Use letter magnets to spell preschool sight words on the fridge (e.g., “I,” “am,” “it”).
- Hide foam letters (spelling sight words) in a bin of rice or water beads—have them find and build the word.
2. Sight Word Songs & Fingerplays
Music and movement stick with preschoolers!
- Set simple sight words to familiar tunes (e.g., “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” → “I am I, am I, I am small!”).
- Do fingerplays: For “up/down,” lift your hands up when saying “up” and lower them when saying “down”; for “in/on,” put a toy “in” a cup or “on” a table.
- YouTube has great preschool sight word songs (search “Preschool Sight Word Songs for Toddlers”)—short, upbeat tracks work best!
3. Sight Word Picture Books
Read aloud books with repetitive preschool sight words (e.g., “I See a Cat” or “My First Sight Words”):
- Point to the sight words as you read (e.g., “Look! There’s the word ‘I’ again!”).
- Ask simple questions: “Can you find the word ‘my’ on this page?”
- Let them “read” the repetitive words back to you (even if they’re memorizing—this builds confidence!).
4. Sight Word Puppet Shows
Make paper bag puppets (or use stuffed animals) and act out simple phrases with preschool sight words:
- Puppet 1: “I am a dog!” (hold up “I” and “am” flashcards).
- Puppet 2: “You are big!” (hold up “you” and “big” flashcards).
- This activity combines play, speech, and sight word recognition—perfect for preschoolers!
5. Outdoor Sight Word Hunt
Take learning outside (preschoolers burn energy and learn at the same time!):
- Write sight words on colorful paper and hide them in the yard or playground.
- Give your child a “hunt list” (pictures + words) and have them find the words—celebrate each find with a cheer!
- Use sidewalk chalk to write words on the ground—have them jump on “up” or hop over “down.”
Tips for Parents & Preschool Teachers
How to Make Preschool Sight Word Learning Successful
- Keep Sessions Short: 5-10 minutes per day is enough for preschoolers (long sessions lead to frustration).
- Repeat, Repeat, Repeat: Preschoolers learn through repetition—use sight words in daily conversation (e.g., “Let’s go up the stairs!” or “This is my cup!”).
- Follow Their Lead: If your child is bored with flashcards, switch to a game or song—learning should feel like play, not a chore.
- Praise Effort, Not Just Perfection: Say, “Wow, you tried so hard to find the word ‘you’!” instead of only praising correct answers.
- Use Visuals: Pair sight words with pictures (e.g., “cat” + a picture of a cat) to help preschoolers connect words to meaning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t push too hard: Preschoolers develop at different rates—some may master 5 words, others 15, and that’s okay!
- Don’t focus on writing first: Preschoolers’ fine motor skills aren’t ready for writing—prioritize recognition over spelling/writing.
- Don’t use complicated words: Stick to the core list above—long or hard words will overwhelm little learners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many sight words should a preschooler know?
A: There’s no “magic number”—preschoolers learn at their own pace! Most 4-5 year olds can recognize 5-15 core sight words by the end of preschool. The goal is to build familiarity and confidence, not mastery of a long list.
Q: When should I start teaching sight words to my preschooler?
A: You can start introducing simple sight words (e.g., “I,” “my”) around age 3, but focus on play-based exposure first. By age 4-5, you can add short, daily practice sessions (5 minutes).
Q: Are Dolch Pre-Primer words good for preschoolers?
A: The Dolch Pre-Primer list (40 words) is a great resource, but we recommend starting with the 20 core words above (simpler and more relatable for preschoolers). You can add more Dolch words as your child progresses.
Q: What if my preschooler isn’t interested in sight words?
A: Switch to their interests! If they love dinosaurs, write “I see a big dinosaur” (use “I,” “big,” “see”). If they love trucks, use “go” and “up” to talk about trucks (“The truck go up the hill!”). Make it about their world.
Conclusion
Sight words for preschool are all about building joy and confidence in reading—not pressure. By focusing on simple, relatable words and using play-based activities, you’ll help your preschooler develop the pre-reading skills they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.
Remember: Every preschooler learns differently—some love songs, others love sensory play, and that’s perfectly okay. The key is to make learning fun, consistent, and connected to their daily life. With patience and play, your little one will be recognizing sight words in no time!
