More About Sight Words 👀📚
While phonics should always be the foundation of reading instruction, some words simply don’t follow predictable sound patterns and must be learned through memorization.
Having a simple, thoughtful way to introduce these words can help reading feel smoother and more successful — especially as students begin working with early books and connected text.
 📥 Free Sight Word Flashcards
To support this stage of learning, we offer free downloadable and printable sight word flashcards — designed to complement phonics, not replace it.
These flashcards:
- Include only true sight words that don’t follow phonetic rules
- Can be introduced gradually in small sets
- Help reduce frustration with more advanced words
- Support confidence as students begin reading simple sentences
✨ Practical ways to use them:
- Introduce just a few words at a time
- Practice briefly during lessons or transitions
- Set aside mastered words and rotate in new ones
- Temporarily treat advanced words as sight words until phonics instruction catches up
Reading instruction works best when it stays steady, flexible, and encouraging. Small tools — used thoughtfully — can make a meaningful difference along the way.
 🎥 See how sight words fit into early reading
This short video explains the difference between true sight words and words that can be decoded — and why that distinction matters for early readers.
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💙 The First Step Phonics Team
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