Sight Words Tracing Book: Free Printable Dolch Word Practice (PDF)

Who this workbook is for

Sight words are the common words children see in almost every book, such as the, and, you and said. When a child can read them at a glance, early books become much smoother. This book is for ages 4 to 6, for children who know most letter sounds, can trace letters on lined paper and are starting to read simple books.

It uses the first two Dolch lists: the 40 pre-primer words (a, and, big, can, come) and the 52 primer words (all, are, black, did, good). If your child is still learning letter sounds, begin with the ABC Tracing Book, and for words that can be sounded out use the CVC Words Workbook. To make extra pages with your own word list, use our sight words worksheets.

What is inside the Sight Words Tracing Book

The workbook has 41 pages. Every page is numbered in the bottom corner, so you can print one section at a time.

Trace and Write (pages 4–13 and 20–32)

Each page has four words. Every word is shown once in dark letters and then in gray letters to trace, on three-line writing paper, with an empty line beneath it for your child to write the word alone. The pre-primer pages start with a, and, away and big, and the primer pages start with all, am, are and at.

Find the Word (pages 14–15 and 33–34)

Up to ten questions on each page (eight on the last primer page). Your child reads the word on the left and circles the same word among three choices, where the wrong choices are look-alike words (for example was, saw and want). The answers are printed upside down at the bottom of each page.

Read the Words (pages 16–17 and 35–36)

All the words of the section, in large type, with a circle to tick when your child can read the word fast. There are empty lines at the bottom for a sentence of their own.

Sentences (pages 18–19 and 37–38)

Ten sentences for each list, such as “I can see a big red one.” and “She ate all four.” The pre-primer sentences use only pre-primer words, and the primer sentences use words from both lists, so your child can read every word.

My Words trackers (pages 39–40)

Two checklists with all 92 words and a box beside each one. Color a box each time your child reads the word fast, and review the words that are still empty.

Why sight words need extra practice

Some sight words follow simple phonics rules and can be sounded out, such as big, can and run. Others, such as the, said and you, do not, so children learn them by seeing and writing them again and again. The two lists in this book mix both kinds, which is why they are useful for early readers.

Short, daily practice works better than one long session. The Handwriting Practice at Home: How Long and How Often guide has ideas for a ten-minute routine, and the Handwriting Readiness Checklist helps you decide whether your child is ready to start tracing words.