top of page
The terms sight words and high-frequency words are often used interchange-ably, but incorrectly, by teachers. I know, I know, it is so much easier to just call all those words our students need to know sight words, but I thought I would clarify the difference before getting started with the fun stuff.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
The bottom line is, we want our students to have a large bank of words they know automatically and can tap into. We want them to be able to read decodable and non-decodable words quickly and accurately, while also being able to choose the best words to use when speaking and writing.
Sight Words
Words that are recognized at first sight. Any word can become a sight word once a student can read it instantly. Many of these words "break the rules" of spelling & sound.
High-Frequency Words
The most commonly occurring words in print. Fry's Instant Words and Dolch Words are examples of high frequency words (the, of, and, to, in, etc).
High-Frequency Words
The most commonly occurring words in print. Fry's Instant Words and Dolch Words are examples of high frequency words (the, of, and, to, in, etc).
bottom of page