Printable Sight Word Bingo Cards, Free

Small cards for early readers

Sight words are the ones that children learn by sight rather than by sounding out: about, because, could, thank. The list here is a Dolch-style selection of words for kindergarten through second grade, picked to complement the lists on our sight words wheel. Together the two tools cover most of an early reading list.

The cards are 4 x 4, sixteen squares, with no free space, so a child has to know every word on the card. Each card draws from 60 words in a different order, which keeps neighbors from copying. In a small reading group of four to six, print one card per child and one extra card to keep as the caller's list.

Counters work best for the little ones: dried beans, buttons or paper squares, so they place a token rather than make a mark. That way the card can be reused. Cards also laminate well, if your school has a laminator, and last all year.

Words on these bingo cards

about
after
again
any
ask
back
because
been
before
big
boy
by
call
came
could
day
did
do
down
find
first
from
get
give
good
got
has
him
how
if
into
just
know
let
long
make
many
may
more
much
must
new
now
off
old
one
only
or
our
over
put
ran
read
ride
round
run
soon
stop
take
thank

Using the cards in a reading group

Choose Number of cards equal to the group size, print on Letter or A4, and cut four cards from each sheet.
Give out counters and call a word. Children say it back, find it and cover it. Everyone says the word together, which is the practice.
A full row of four wins. Keep playing for the whole card for a quiet finish.
Edit Words to match the list your class is learning, and New cards to reshuffle.

Questions about sight word bingo

Which lists are these?

A Dolch-style mix, not an official list. Edit the words under Words to match your own curriculum.

Why 4 x 4 and not 5 x 5?

Sixteen words are plenty for a five-year-old. Switch to 3 x 3 for nine squares if the group is just starting.

Can I use it at home?

Yes. Print one card and play with a parent. Read the word, point at it, and move on.

Are the words in a good order?

They are shuffled for each card. Without a fixed order, children have to look at the word and read it, which is the point.

Printable sight word bingo