Free worksheets / First grade reading
First grade reading worksheets
First grade reading worksheets: sight words, phonics and early reading practice that kids can do on their own.
1 set · every set has a free sample to print today
What first graders learn in reading
First grade is when most kids become readers. They learn the sounds letters make, blend those sounds into words, and build a bank of sight words they know instantly. By the end of the year they read simple stories on their own and talk about what happened.
Practice pages work best when they are short and kids can finish them alone — like word searches that have them read, find and write high-frequency words.
Skills kids practice
- Know common sight words by sight (RF.1.3g)
- Blend sounds to read short-vowel words
- Read with accuracy and expression (RF.1.4)
- Retell a story and describe characters and events
Tips for teachers and parents
- Have kids read each word aloud before they search for it.
- Five new sight words a week is plenty — review the old ones too.
Questions about reading & writing (ela) worksheets
How many sight words should a first grader know?
Many schools aim for about 100–150 by the end of first grade, using lists like Dolch and Fry.
What are sight words?
High-frequency words that kids should read instantly, often because they are hard to sound out — like said, was and they.
Standards covered
- RF.1.3g Recognize and read grade-appropriate irregularly spelled words.