These 40 sight words for preschool come from the Dolch pre-primer list, the first set many classrooms use. Words like the, and, see and look show up in almost every early picture book, but several of them can't be sounded out easily. That's why kids learn them by sight. Start with three or four words at a time. Trace them, say them out loud, and point them out when you read together. A few minutes a day is plenty at this age.
Sight words for preschool and pre-K
All 40 words from the Dolch pre-primer list, with a word tracing worksheet and printable flash cards.
The 40 pre-K sight words
This is the Dolch pre-primer 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.
- 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
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 pre-K sight words
- Pick words from your child's favorite book. If the story repeats look and see, start with those two.
- Tape one word to the fridge each week and read it together every time someone opens the door.
- Trace each word with a finger on the large lines before picking up a crayon. Many 3 and 4 year olds are still building hand strength.
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.