A complete Dolch sight words game
The Dolch sight word list is the foundation of early reading in U.S. schools. Word Beasts is a game that teaches every one of the 220 words through short, adaptive daily sessions.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
What are Dolch sight words?
Dolch sight words are a list of 220 high-frequency English words compiled by Dr. Edward William Dolch in 1936. They make up roughly 50–75% of the words a child will read in early elementary school.
The list is split by grade level: Pre-Primer, Primer, First Grade, Second Grade, and Third Grade — plus 95 Dolch nouns. Learning them by sight (rather than sounding them out every time) is one of the biggest predictors of reading fluency.
Why play a Dolch sight words game instead of using flashcards?
Flashcards work, but only as well as the person running them. A game like Word Beasts automatically tracks every word, repeats the ones your child misses, and keeps the experience motivating with character rewards.
You also do not need to sit down with the deck every night. Your child can do a 5-minute session on their own.
How does Word Beasts organize the Dolch list?
Words are grouped by the standard Dolch grade levels:
- Pre-Primer (40 words) — the very first words every reader needs.
- Primer (52 words) — the next layer that unlocks early storybooks.
- First Grade (40 words) — words for confident emerging readers.
- Second Grade (46 words) — fluent reading territory.
- Plus the 95 highest-frequency Dolch nouns to round out the 220.
Kids progress level-by-level. Each level needs 80% accuracy to "master" before unlocking the next.
Does Word Beasts cover Dolch nouns?
Yes — the 95 most common Dolch nouns (apple, baby, ball, bear, book, etc.) are included so your child gets the full 220 high-frequency word foundation.
Try Word Beasts free
The magical reading game that teaches the 220 Dolch sight words. One-time $19.99 — no ads, no subscriptions, 30-day refund.
Frequently asked questions
How are the 220 Dolch words different from Fry sight words?+
The Dolch list is shorter (220 vs. 1,000) and focuses on the highest-frequency words for grades K–3. Fry words extend further into upper elementary. Most U.S. schools start with Dolch.
How long does it take to learn all 220 words?+
It varies, but most kids who play 5–10 minutes a day work through Pre-Primer and Primer in a few months. The full list usually takes 6–18 months depending on starting level and consistency.
Does the game include audio for each word?+
Yes. Every word can be heard spoken aloud so kids can connect the visual form with the sound.