200+ first sight words for children learning English

Sight words are short, common, “easy” words that young children can learn to recognize by seeing them (rather than sounding them out). Here are the first English sight words that children should learn .

Being familiar with vocabulary makes it easier for first graders to read and understand, and it also expands their vocabulary. While every child learns differently, most first graders know about 100 English words. You can help your child learn more vocabulary by incorporating them into a variety of games and learning activities.

First English sight words for beginners

• Sight words for elementary school children include short, common, easy-to-pronounce words like “a,” “my,” “such,” “down,” and “little.”
• Most first graders will master about 100 vocabulary words by the end of the school year.
• Practice vocabulary with educational games at home or with online learning programs.

The first common English words for beginners

Example sentences using sight words in English

“I see my school bus.”
“I can tie my shoes.”
“I know three words.”
“She is big like me.”
“You are right.”
“He said thank you.”
“I like my dog.”
“Here comes the school bus!”
“You are my friend.”
“I make eggs because they are yummy.”

Learn English sight words through games

Game "Find and smash"

Write down 15-20 vocabulary words on separate pieces of cardboard or sticky notes and arrange them in a grid. Give the reader a fly swatter (or any stick-like object) and ask them to hit the word you are saying. For added challenge, try setting a timer to encourage the learner to recognise vocabulary words more quickly.

Vocabulary Cake

Cut out circles of brown or yellow cardstock and write 15-20 vocabulary words on them. Lay them out on a flat surface and give your child a spoon. Say a word and ask them to flip the “pancake” with that word on it.

Find toys

Choose 15-20 vocabulary words and write them on the underside of some paper cups. Turn the cups upside down and hide a shuttlecock (or any small toy or object) under one cup. Challenge the learner to find the shuttlecock by recognizing the matching vocabulary word.

Vocabulary darts

Hang a printout of a target on the wall (or draw one on cardboard, or make one out of masking tape—the options are endless!). Then, write some vocabulary words on sticky notes and tape them to the dartboard. Have students aim at specific vocabulary words with a foam dart gun, bean bag, or any other small toy that won’t damage the wall.

Sight word monster

Create a hungry monster from an empty tissue box—add eyes or any other features your child likes! Then, instruct your child to "feed" monster flashcards with specific vocabulary words through the opening of the box (the monster's mouth).