These sight words for 1st graders come from the Dolch first grade list: 41 words such as could, from, know, once and thank. Several break the usual spelling patterns, so sounding them out leads kids astray. Knowing them by sight frees up attention for the harder words in a sentence. Many first graders work through this list across the school year, often a few words a week. Tracing helps fix the spelling, and flash cards build speed.
Sight words for 1st graders
All 41 words from the Dolch first grade list, with a word tracing worksheet and printable flash cards.
The 41 1st grade sight words
This is the Dolch first grade list, a public-domain list of high-frequency words compiled by Edward William Dolch. Your child's school may use a different list or order, so check with the teacher if you want to match class work.
- after
- again
- an
- any
- as
- ask
- by
- could
- every
- fly
- from
- give
- going
- had
- has
- her
- him
- his
- how
- just
- know
- let
- live
- may
- of
- old
- once
- open
- over
- put
- round
- some
- stop
- take
- thank
- them
- then
- think
- walk
- were
- when
Sight word tracing worksheet
Each row traces one word. Tap the words to choose what goes on the sheet. The first eight are picked to start.
Printable sight word flash cards
Big, clear letters in the same style as the worksheets. Print the whole list or only the words your child is working on.
Tips for 1st grade sight words
- Group words that look alike, such as them, then and when, so kids notice the one letter that changes.
- Play a speed round with five flash cards. Time it, then try to beat the score the next day.
- After tracing a word, have your child write it on the blank lines and check it against the card.
A simple 5-minute routine
- Read 3 cards together. Say each word and use it in a short sentence.
- Trace 2 rows on the worksheet, starting at the green dots.
- Find one word in a book you are already reading.
Kids learn these words at different speeds. If you have concerns about reading, ask your child's teacher or pediatrician.
More handwriting practice
If a letter inside a word keeps going wrong, practice it on its own with our letter tracing worksheets, then come back to the word. For a word that matters even more to your child, make a name tracing worksheet.