Skip to content

Sight Word Flashcards

Run the Sight Word Flashcards MicroSim Fullscreen

About This MicroSim

The Sight Word Flashcards MicroSim provides interactive practice with high-frequency sight words that kindergarteners need to recognize automatically. These words cannot always be sounded out phonetically, so children must memorize them through repeated exposure. The flashcard format offers focused, self-paced learning.

Features

  • 40 Dolch Sight Words: Pre-primer and primer words essential for early reading
  • Flip Animation: Click cards to reveal example sentences
  • Audio Support: Hear the word spoken, then hear it in a sentence
  • Progress Tracking: Mark words as "known" to track mastery
  • Shuffle Mode: Randomize card order for varied practice
  • Visual Feedback: Known words display with green highlighting
  • Card Counter: See current position and total words remaining

How to Use

  1. View the Word: Each card displays one sight word
  2. Hear It: Click "Hear" to hear the word and sentence spoken
  3. Flip the Card: Click the card to see an example sentence
  4. Mark Progress: Click "I Know It!" when you can read the word automatically
  5. Navigate: Use Prev/Next buttons or shuffle for new words

Word List (40 Dolch Sight Words)

The MicroSim includes these essential kindergarten sight words:

Pre-Primer: a, and, away, big, blue, can, come, down, find, for, funny, go, help, here, I, in, is, it, jump, little, look, make, me, my, not, one, play, red, run, said, see, the, three, to, two, up, we, where, yellow, you

Iframe Example

You can include this MicroSim on your website using the following iframe:

1
2
3
4
<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/reading-for-kindergarten/sims/sight-word-flashcards/main.html"
        height="462px"
        width="100%"
        scrolling="no"></iframe>

Lesson Plan

Learning Objectives

After completing this activity, students will be able to:

  1. Remember: Recognize high-frequency sight words instantly
  2. Understand: Use sight words correctly in sentence context
  3. Apply: Read sight words fluently within connected text
  4. Evaluate: Self-assess which words are mastered vs. need more practice

What Are Sight Words?

Sight words are high-frequency words that readers need to recognize instantly, without sounding them out:

  • They appear frequently in children's books and everyday reading
  • Many don't follow regular phonics rules (e.g., "the," "said," "you")
  • Automatic recognition frees brain power for comprehension
  • The Dolch list contains 220 words that make up 50-75% of text in children's books

Suggested Activities

  1. Daily Practice: Review 5-10 words each day
  2. Word Hunt: Find sight words in classroom books
  3. Sentence Building: Create sentences using learned sight words
  4. Partner Quiz: Students test each other on known words
  5. Word Wall: Add mastered words to a classroom display

Assessment Opportunities

  • Track which words students mark as "known"
  • Listen to students read the words aloud
  • Observe automaticity (instant recognition vs. hesitation)
  • Have students use words in their own sentences

Differentiation

  • Support: Focus on 5 words at a time; use "Hear" button frequently
  • Challenge: Time how quickly students can read all 40 words; add primer list words

Teaching Sequence

  1. Introduce 3-5 new words per session
  2. Practice with flashcards until automatic
  3. Find words in decodable readers
  4. Review previously learned words regularly
  5. Celebrate when all 40 words are mastered!

Technical Notes

  • Uses p5.js for interactive graphics and animations
  • Web Speech API for word and sentence pronunciation
  • Web Audio API for flip and success sounds
  • Touch and mouse support for card interactions
  • Responsive design adapts to container width

References