Dolch words, or "sight words," are 220 frequently used words in English, compiled by Dr. Edward William Dolch in 1936. These words are essential for early literacy because they cannot always be sounded out phonetically. Recognizing them on sight allows students to read more fluently and confidently. This mastery program provides a structured, gradual approach to learning Dolch words, broken into grade-specific programs that ensure retention, memorization, and progression without overwhelming the student.
This program is divided into weekly sessions, ensuring that students focus on manageable groups of words. The structure promotes retention and mastery before moving to the next set.
Grade |
Duration |
Key Focus |
Junior Kindergarten | 8 weeks | Introduction to pre-primer sight words: foundational literacy and word recognition skills. |
Senior Kindergarten | 8 weeks | Primer-level words: building on early recognition with slightly more complex vocabulary. |
Grade One | 8 weeks | Primer-level words: building on early recognition with slightly more complex vocabulary. |
Grade Two | 9 weeks | Grade-two level words: advancing fluency and preparing for more independent reading. |
Grade Three | 8 weeks | Grade-three words: expanding vocabulary to include more challenging and less frequently encountered words. |