How Do Sight Words Fit Into Evidence-Based Reading Instruction?

If you've been working with your child on reading, you've probably heard about "sight words"—those lists of common words (like "the," "said," "was") that kids are told to memorize by heart. But parents often ask me: is drilling sight word lists actually the best way to teach reading? The answer, according to the science of reading, is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

Traditional sight word instruction assumes that certain common words are irregular and must be memorized as whole units, since they "can't be sounded out." But modern research tells a different story. Dr. David Share and others have shown that even seemingly irregular words have more phonetic regularity than we once thought—and that the brain learns to read words through a process called orthographic mapping, not rote memorization.

Orthographic mapping is the process by which the brain permanently bonds a word's pronunciation, meaning, and spelling together in memory. This happens when readers connect the sounds in a spoken word to the letters on the page—in other words, through phonics. With enough exposure through this phonics-connected process, ANY word can become a "sight word"—meaning it's recognized instantly, without effort. The word "said" can absolutely be decoded (s-a-id, using knowledge of common vowel patterns), which helps it stick in long-term memory far better than flashcard drilling alone.

This doesn't mean sight word lists are harmful—many of them help build reading volume, which is valuable. But for children who are struggling, especially those with reading difficulties or language-based learning differences, relying heavily on memorization without building strong phonics skills can backfire. When words don't stick, it's often because the phonics foundation isn't there to support lasting memory.

The most effective approach is to pair any sight word practice with solid, explicit phonics instruction. When your child understands the phonics patterns inside common words, those words stop feeling random and start making sense. That's when reading truly clicks. Questions about your child's reading approach? I'd love to talk. Reach out at megan@mmcliteracycollective.com or (312) 315-2905.