Dolch Word List

The Dolch Word List is a collection of common words that children are encouraged to recognize instantly to support reading fluency. Compiled by educator Edward Dolch in the 1930s and 1940s, it includes frequently used words like “the,” “and,” and “is” that often do not follow standard phonetic rules. By memorizing these words, early readers can read more smoothly and focus on understanding new words and broader texts, forming a foundation for developing reading skills. The list is widely used in teaching early literacy due to its emphasis on practical, high-frequency vocabulary.