The Dolch Word List is a fundamental resource for early literacy, originally compiled by Edward William Dolch in 1936. This collection features 220 ‘service words’ (such as pronouns, adjectives, and adverbs) and a separate list of 95 common nouns. Because these words make up nearly 75% of the text in elementary schoolbooks, mastering them by sight is a proven method for building reading speed and fluency.

First published in 1936, the Dolch Basic Sight Vocabulary remains a standard for teaching reading fluency today. The list excludes nouns to focus on 220 high-frequency service words that act as the ‘glue’ of English sentences. Together with a supplemental list of 95 nouns, these words account for over half of all vocabulary found in schoolbooks and newspapers.

Why are Dolch Sight Words so important for beginning readers? Created by educator Edward William Dolch, this famous list identifies the most frequently used words in the English language. It distinguishes between 220 essential service words and 95 common nouns found in children’s literature. By learning to recognize these words instantly, students can achieve smoother reading comprehension and confidence from an early age.