High Frequency Words

     High-frequency words are the words that appear most often in printed materials. Students are encouraged to recognize these words by sight, without having to “sound them out.” These words are also often referred to as 'sight words' which can also be thought of as heart words, or words that one knows by heart.

      Learning to recognize high-frequency words by sight is critical to developing fluency in reading. Students should be able to read these words individually and in sentences and stories. Automatic recognition of high frequency words provides an essential starting point for your child becoming a confident reader. It is important to note that  12 high frequency words make up 25% of words we read and write.  100 high frequency words make up 50% of words we read and write.  about 300 high frequency words account for 75% of words we read and write.

     It is also important to note that the more phonics skills your learner masters, the more words can and will become "sight words".