My blog subscribers have been asking for sight word games – so I created a set of games that feature all the Dolch sight words … from the preprimer list all the way to the third grade list.
(2022 Update: I don’t create games like this anymore, because I believe that most high frequency words are best taught within the context of phonics lessons. Learn more here.)
There are 5 main lists for the Dolch sight words: preprimer, primer, first, second, and third grade.
Since each game can only feature 20 words, I created three games for each level.
You can find the level for each game in the upper right hand corner. In the above example, the game is for the preprimer sight word list.
PP1, PP2, PP3 – preprimer games
P1, P2, P3 – primer games
1G1, 1G2, 1G3 – first grade games
2G1, 2G2, 2G3 – second grade games
3G1, 3G2, 3G3 – third grade games
I chose to use a kind of “code” to write the levels because I realize you may use these games with older, struggling readers. I don’t want them to be discouraged that they are playing a first grade level game.
Each game also comes with a set of word cards.
How to play:
- Choose a game board. Then print the board and accompanying cards. Cut the cards apart.
- Grab playing pieces and a die.
- Take turns moving around the board by rolling the die. If a player lands on a word, s/he reads it aloud. If a player lands on a fall picture, s/he takes a card and reads the list as quickly and clearly as possible.
- The first player to reach the squirrel, wins!
I played this game with my preschooler. She is not ready for the preprimer sight word list yet, but she does know a few sight words and can sound out words that end with -at. (This is all thanks to the lessons we’ve been doing from my favorite preschool reading curriculum, Reading the Alphabet).
Since she’s not ready for the games in the packet, I used the the free editable version and typed in my own words (email subscribers can find this for free in the subscriber library!).
I was so pleased (and, admittedly, a bit surprised) at how well she did! She enjoyed the game so much that we played it three times.
And even though she was playing against a much stronger reader, she won two times – thanks to the roll of the dice.
I do hope you can use these fun fall sight word games!

Get your free fall sight word games!

Editable Reading Games for Every Season – MEGA PACK!
$24.00
You and your learners will absolutely love this versatile set of reading games! Simply type up to 12 words, and they’ll autofill into the 150 seasonal games.
Karyn
I would like to thankyou very much for the free sight word games! I have a Grandaughter who is developmentally challenged so anything I can find to help her learning is wonderful! And finding it free is a blessing…You have a very interesting and wide range of helpful aides and I will be back to look for more! Again, thankyou!
Sharon
This will be fun and helpful! I am so excited for my students!
Thank you,
Sharon
Charlis
Lovely sight word board game. I’m excited to introduce into our lessons. My Student will be super excited!
Thank you,
Charlie
Kerstin
Salamat.. (thank you! )
Deborah Kerwood
I just wanted to tell you how happy I am to find the “coded” grade levels on your activities. I teach a high school group, and I have witnessed exactly what you mention. I am careful not to use any products that have a grade level emblazoned on the handout that says “First Grade” for my 9th graders. They need the sight words, but they do not need to feel insulted. Thank you 1,000 times for all of the high quality education materials that you provide. xxxooo
Anna G
I’m so happy to hear this, Deborah! Thank you for your comment!
Faith
What a blessing to have found your website. The editable game template will immensely help us keep up with our grandchildren’s sight words. Teaching methods and tools have certainly changed since our children were in elementary school, so this is just what we needed.
Anna G
I’m so glad this helps, Faith!
Janine
Hi Anna,
I really like the editable version of this game. I used it with my first graders and my tutoring students and they really enjoyed playing it. Would you make a winter themed version? A version with snowmen, sleds, skates and snowflakes would be perfect for the winter season. Games are such a fun way to get that extra reading practice in. Thanks so much for all your great products.
Anna G
Definitely on my to do list! 🙂
Ellen Stark
I like your games and will try them this week. My question is: When the child cannot read the list of words or the word that they land on what does the game require them to do? Stay put, go back to the start , go back to their previous spot or does the adult decide? Thank-you
Anna G
You can certainly play it however you’d like; I would simply tell them the word so they can read it and hopefully get it right next time.
Cathy
Could you tell me how to access the printed version of the Fall Into Reading Games?
I have the edible one, but would like the preprinted ones.
Thank you very much
Anna G
Hi Cathy! Just scroll up to the green box that says “click here to get your free printable,” and it should come right up.
Chrissie
Hi Anna. Your website is crammed full of useful and helpful learning activities. However, just love these sight word games! With children that struggle with phonics, these are great to play over and over to help them build a wider reading range. Thank you so much!
Anna G
I’m so glad to hear that you’re finding my resources helpful, Chrissie! 🙂
Usha
Hi Anna. Thank you so much for creating editable sight word game. My daughter really loves to play the sight word games. Thank you for the many other helpful learning activities.
Anna G
I’m so glad you can use them, Usha!
Heather
You are awesome! Take a moment to think about how awesome you really are. Really like how you come up with many fun and challenging ways to introduce things. Thank you.
Anna G
You’re very welcome, Heather!
Erica Cunningham
I love your resources so much, especially the fact that a lot of what I’m looking for, you have for free, and that helps a lot when it’s only my husband working. Thank you so much for the time you put into these.
Anna G
You’re welcome, Erica!
Vlatka
Hi. I really appreciate the Fall Games Sight Words. Very helpful and supportive. Thank you for creating them. Thank you for the many other helpful learning activities at your website as well. Happy I found your website!
Anna G
I’m so glad you can use it, Vlatka!
Cesia K
Thank you so much, Anna!!!!! <3 I've been wanting, and waiting, for an editable sight word maze and you came right in today. Thank you again!!
Anna G
Yay! I’m glad this came at a good time for you, Cesia! 🙂