Foundational Words for Young Readers: What Are Dolch Words and Why Are They So Important?
May 16, 2025
When children begin learning English, many parents notice a common challenge:
Some words just don’t seem to stick.
Despite repeated practice, children may struggle to sound them out, remember them, or recognize them quickly in context.
Chances are, these are what we call Sight Words—and among the most famous and influential lists is the Dolch Word List.
What Are Dolch Words?
The Dolch Word List was developed by American education psychologist Dr. Edward William Dolch in 1948.
After analyzing hundreds of children’s books, he identified 220 service words (function words) and 95 high-frequency nouns that appear most often in early reading material—but are difficult to decode using standard phonics rules.
Examples of Dolch Words include:
the, said, you, come, here, where, could, little
Dr. Dolch believed that when children could quickly and automatically recognize these words, it would dramatically improve their reading fluency and make reading a more enjoyable, less frustrating experience.
Why Are Dolch Words Valuable for Early Learners?
1. Boost Reading Speed and Comprehension
Dolch Words are the backbone of simple sentences. When kids recognize them at a glance, they read faster and understand better.
2. Not Easily Decodable — Must Be Recognized as Wholes
Words like said, one, and give don't follow common phonics rules, making them ideal for sight recognition learning.
3. Age-Appropriate and Gradual Progression
The Dolch list is divided into developmental levels:
Pre-Primer (preschool)
Primer (kindergarten)
Grade 1–3 (elementary)
Each level contains around 40–50 words, making it easy to set clear goals for each stage.
How Is Dolch Different from the Fry Word List?
Feature | Dolch Word List | Fry Word List |
|---|---|---|
Created by | Edward W. Dolch | Edward Fry |
Year | 1948 | 1950s |
Number of words | 220 words + 95 nouns | 1,000 words |
Age focus | Preschool to early elementary | Elementary to middle school |
Word characteristics | Mostly sight words and function words | Mix of sight words and decodable words |
Learning objective | Recognition, fluency | Decoding, comprehension, writing skills |
💡 Think of Dolch as the starting line for reading fluency, and Fry as the roadmap for reading further.
How Can Parents Teach Dolch Words at Home?
1. Read 5 Words a Day Together
Pick 5 Dolch Words each day. Find them in storybooks, highlight them aloud, and repeat until recognition becomes automatic.
2. Turn Them Into Games
Create memory cards, sight word bingo, or "find the word" scavenger hunts to make learning fun and playful. (More games)
3. Use the Words in Sentences
Encourage children to build simple sentences using Dolch Words.
For example: “I see the dog.” This helps reinforce both meaning and structure.
4. Leverage Digital Tools
Apps like PictureCook can incorporate Dolch Words into interactive story dialogue, pronunciation practice, and listening games—making learning seamless and enjoyable.
What Do Experts Say?
“Dolch Words are not just vocabulary — they’re the building blocks of fluent reading.”
— Nancy Hennessy, International Dyslexia Association
Research consistently shows that children who master sight words perform better in early reading assessments. For children learning English as a second language (such as in Taiwan), the impact is even more significant.
Conclusion: Build a Strong Reading Foundation with Dolch Words
For young learners, the Dolch Word List offers one of the most effective starting points for reading success.
It’s more than just a word list—it’s a foundation for building confidence, fluency, and a love of reading.
Whether your child is just starting English or moving beyond phonics into more fluent reading, beginning with Dolch Words is one of the most natural and impactful ways to grow.