First Grade Word Lists

Dolch Sight Words

Dolch sight words were first identified by Dr. Edward William Dolch during the 1950s. As the foundation of the English language, these words are essential for reading mastery. Since many of the words can not be simply sounded out, knowing how to recognize the words by sight alone is a critical skill for the beginning reader. You can find a list of Dolch sight words broken down by grade level on the Bingo Card Creator site. Teachers are encouraged to download the site's free trial software to make a bingo game that helps students master these basic vocabulary words.

First Grade Word Lists

Although Dolch sight words remain a standard for measuring first grade reading ability, there are many other word lists available to help students develop strong literacy skills. Most lists have been prepared by professional educators based on their previous teaching experience and an analysis of the words most commonly used in children's literature.

For additional first grade word lists, check out the following helpful links:

• "No Excuses" Word List: Students should be able to read and spell these words by the end of first grade.
• Houghton Mifflin High Frequency Words: Create simple flashcards by printing the list on heavyweight cardstock and laminating with clear plastic contact paper.
• National Reading Vocabulary: This list contains words which first grade students should have mastered before entering the second grade. The list is broken down into 36 weekly lessons to make the instructional process more convenient.
• Enchanted Learning's Vocabulary Words for First Grade Readers: Mastering the words on this comprehensive vocabulary list will have your child reading quickly and easily.

Additional First Grade Reading Resources

The US Department of Education website has a listing of first grade reading lessons covering topics such as recognizing the different parts of a book, putting sounds together, identifying sentences, sounding out unfamiliar words, and improving reading comprehension. This site is a valuable resource for homeschooling families, as well as parents who are in search of a way to provide extra help to children having difficulty with their school reading lessons.

Parents in need of free printable worksheets to use for providing a child with extra help on particular lesson area can turn to the "http://www.tlsbooks.com/firstgradeworksheets.htm">TLS Books website. This site has several English, math, and history worksheets for preschool through fifth grade students available as downloadable PDF files.

If you're looking for fun books to help your child practice his/her reading skills, the Hedgehog Books website has a list of titles geared towards a first grade reading level. Encourage a lifelong love of reading by surprising your child with an assortment of new books to enjoy!

Tips for Teaching Reading

Although research has proven that children with strong literacy skills typically outperform their peers in junior high, high school, and college, there are currently over seven million elementary school students reading below grade level. By reading to your child often and helping him/her to practice skills learned in school, however, you can help to reverse this disturbing trend.

For tips on helping your child develop strong literacy skills, check out the following helpful links:

• Succeed to Read
• Reading Resources
• Put Reading First
• How Children Learn to Read
• First Grade Reading Instruction
• What Your Child Should Be Learning in First Grade Reading
• A Parent's Guide to First Grade Reading Standards

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