What are "site words" and how important are they to help a kindergartener learn to read?

Question

We received the scholastic book order form from my daughter's school. There are a ton of things, games, books, etc...that focus on "site words". Of course they are more expensive. I will spend the money in a hearbeat if it is worth it. Are they?

Answer 1

Hi a mom!

Sight words are words that are words that can't be sounded out like "the" or "are" or "once."  Often the term "sight word" is paired with the term "high-frequency" words; high-frequency words being words the kids should just memorize now because they're going to see it over and over again.

If you simply Google either term you can find well-established lists of words, and you can easily create your own flashcards or games with them (even simply Hangman).  If these books on the book order are books your child would want/enjoy anyway, then go ahead.  But don't be shamed into buying something just because it sounds like