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10 Books to Help Kids With
Sight Words
by Iva-Marie Palmer
Iva-Marie Palmer
Iva-Marie Palmer lives with her family in a book-laden house just outside Los Angeles. She is the author of two YA novels, The End of the World As We Know It and The Summers. She doesn't need to write a letter of advice to her 9-year-old self because that 9-year-old had already discovered the works of Judy Blume.
While every child develops an interest in reading at their own pace, it most often happens between the ages of 4 and 7. To help kids prepare for reading readiness, many kindergarten classes teach sight words. Sight words typically include between 100 and 300 words children memorize and become familiar with in order to read and write. They fall into two categories: frequently used words (think: it, can, will) and non-phonetic words (or simple words that you can’t “sound out,” like buy and talk).
These 10 books are all entertaining and engaging places to start looking for sight words. Have fun reading with your child by making a game out of finding the words they recognize. Use these printable lists of common sight words to help as you go.
by P.D. Eastman
A single line of simple text describes each image in this beloved book by P.D. Eastman. Featuring all kinds of dogs riding bicycles, scooters, roller skates, and driving all sorts of vehicles on their way to a party held on top of a tree, kids will likely gravitate to their favorite scenes, a great way to practice the words on the page.
by Oliver Jeffers
This title will work best with slightly more advanced learners. Featuring a surreal short story for each letter of the alphabet, Jeffers pulls out all the stops in this sizeable volume of art and wordsmithing. Full of rhyme and wordplay, this captivating tome will inspire careful study for eager readers.
by Jon Klassen
A bear has lost his hat, and he wants it back. The other forest animals say they don't know where it is, but then the bear realizes he's seen his hat somewhere... This delightfully funny story is simple, accessible, full of sight words, and so much fun to read aloud as kids try to guess where the hat has gone.
by Dr. Seuss
This oversized board book is perfect for little ones eager to page through books on their own. There’s no narrative to follow as kids familiarize themselves with 100 essential words. Each word is paired with art from some of Seuss’s most famous works. Combined with the sturdy pages, it’s an excellent beginner book for even babies and toddlers.
See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog
by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka
See the cat. But, as Max proudly declares, "I am not a cat. I am a dog." Thus begins this highly amusing story (or rather, three stories) about a dog and the book's narrator at odds with each other. Riffing on the classic easy reader formula with short sentences and word repetition scaffolding, this highly decodable book is a must for any kid learning to read. Plus, the expressive, cartoon-style illustrations add an extra layer of humor to an already hilarious story. Be sure to also check out its companion, See the Dog
by Dr. Seuss
Simple sentences, a catchy rhyme, and a compelling main character. If you want to understand why Dr. Seuss is one of the most beloved children’s authors of all time, there you have it. His most famous work, The Cat in the Hat gets stuck in kids’ heads, making it easier for them to deduce the simple words on the page.
Richard Scarry’s Best Word Book Ever
by Richard Scarry
The king of kids’ easy readers, Richard Scarry leads his fans through Busytown, taking them everywhere from the airport to the grocery store. Kids will love the colorful artwork and can grow their vocabulary with hundreds of labeled objects throughout the pages.
by Michael Frith, illustrated by P.D. Eastman
Looking to add an element of silly to the word-learning game? Check out this book about a pet owner who aims to teach his remarkably smart dog 100 new words and commands. Incorporating rhymes and rhythm as well as alternating colors of print, this one is sure to be a repeat read – the key to recognizing the words inside.
by DK
LEGO fanatics will adore this vibrant book of detailed block-built scenes. With labels throughout, early readers can seek out familiar words in the city scenes — firefighters training at the station, hot dog vendors serving crowds, and streets filled with busy LEGO Minifigures.
Kindergarten Success with Sight Words Workbook
by Sylvan Learning
This practical workbook is great for kindergarteners. Rather than relying on standard flashcard-type exercises, the workbook’s game-based activities create a fun way to engage readers-to-be. The sight words cover animals, colors, action words, and more.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2022.
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Having taught both Kindergarten and Grade One for many years I understand the importance of a child recognizing sight words and how imperative they are for their reading success. Books like those listed above are very instrumental in helping your child achieve their reading potential. The more a child is exposed to these indiscriminate words the more they will retain and be able to recognize them on their literary journey. I highly recommend that a few of these books be added to your child's library. Remember to always make learning playful and fun!
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