📖 Dolch Primer

Is "they" a Sight Word?

Yes — "they" is a Dolch Primer sight word. Its spelling doesn't fully match its sound, so it's taught to be recognized instantly rather than sounded out.

Kindergarten Level
1 Syllable
they
they

Example Sentence

They are going to the zoo.

Why "they" Is a Sight Word

The "ey" in "they" makes a long-a sound, which is unusual — "ey" more often makes a long-e sound, as in "key" or "monkey". That mismatch is exactly why "they" is taught as a sight word rather than sounded out.

Teaching Tip

Compare "they" to "grey" and "obey" — a small family of words where "ey" also says long a, once your child is ready for the pattern.

Practice

Learn "they" in Word Wizard

Word Wizard teaches "they" with Flash Cards, Listen & Pick, Spell It, and Write It — four game modes that turn repetition into play.

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Flash Cards

See "they" with its picture, syllables, and example sentence — with native audio.

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Listen & Pick

Hear "they" spoken aloud and pick it out from similar-looking words.

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Spell It

Build "they" letter by letter from shuffled tiles.

Related

More Sight Words to Learn

Help Your Child Master Sight Words

Word Wizard turns sight word practice into a game — Flash Cards, Listen & Pick, Spell It and Write It, from Pre-K through Grade 5.

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