Sight words are words a child learns to recognize on sight. Edward William Dolch first published this list of sight words back in 1936. In total, there are 220 Dolch sight words, spread across sight word lists from preschool to third grade. The theory is that these words are used so often in print that they make up an estimated three-quarters of all words used in children’s books. Since they appear so often, they’re also called high-frequency words.
As kids learn to read, the four main reading skills are decoding, fluency, comprehension, and knowledge. Being able to decode (or sound out) words is crucial to reading. But to become a fluent reader, it helps if kids don’t have to sound out every single word they come across. So being able to “read” or recognize high-frequency or sight words without hesitation can help children read more fluently and, by extension, help them better understand what they read because they’re not stopping to sound out every word. In other words, memorizing these sight words for second graders can help young kids keep going and gain momentum as they learn to read.
Dolch 2nd grade sight words list
around
because
been
before
best
both
buy
call
cold
does
don’t
fast
first
five
found
gave
goes
green
its
made
many
off
or
read
right
sing
sit
sleep
tell
their
these
those
upon
us
use
very
wash
which
why
wish
work
would
write
your
Check out the Dolch sight words for preschool, kindergarten, 1st grade, 3rd grade — and the list of preK-3rd grade nouns.
More ways to support your 2nd grader as they learn to read
• Play: Decoding activities for your beginning reader
• Read: Books to boost your 2nd grader’s vocabulary
• Watch: Follow my finger
• Do: 2nd grade vocabulary worksheets
