By Edward Fry, Ph.D.
These 300 words are extremely important for children to learn for they make up 65 percent of all written material. It is virtually impossible for anyone to read or write a sentence without several of these words coming up. The words are listed in order of frequency of usage.
First hundred
1-25 the of and a to in is you that it he was for on are as with his they I at be this have from |
26-50 or one had by words but not what all were we when your can said there use an each which she do how their if |
51-75 will up other about out many then them these so some her would make like him into time has look two more write go see |
76-100 number no way could people my than first water been call who am its now find long down day did get come made may part |
Second hundred
101-125 over new sound take only little work know place year live me back give most very after thing our just name good sentence man think |
126-150 say great where help through much before line right too mean old any same tell boy follow came want show also around farm three small |
151-175 set put end does another well large must big even such because turn here why ask went men read need land different home us move |
176-200 try kind hand picture again change off play spell air away animal house point page letter mother answer found study still learn should American world |
Third hundred
201-225 high every near add food between own below country plant last school father keep tree never start city earth eye light thought head under story |
226-250 saw left don't few while along might close something seem next hard open example begin life always those both paper together got group often run |
251-275 important until children side feet car mile night walk white sea began grow took river four carry state once book hear stop without second later |
276-300 miss idea enough eat face watch far Indian really almost let above girl sometimes mountain cut young talk soon list song being leave family it's |
Importance of these instant words
Children simply cannot read well if they are constantly stumbling over the most frequently used words. Good readers will recognize them instantly. There is no time for children to stop and try to identify them.
Standards for learning these words
Here are the rough standards for knowing these words:
Grade 1 - First 100 words by the end of the year
Grade 2 - Second 100 words by the end of the year
Grade 3 - Third 100 words by the end of the year
Because so many children now have reading instruction in kindergarten, 3 out of 4 first graders will actually be able to read the first 100 words by the end of the year while the same number of second graders will be able to read all 300 words.
Suggestions for learning these words
Identify the words your child does not know. Test your child's knowledge of each column of words beginning with the first column. Then teach the child those that are not known or read with any hesitation in a column before going on to the next column.
Teach these words any way you can. You should employ several methods in teaching these words. You can use flash cards for drill and review. Don't try to teach more than five words at a time. Tell your child a word when you introduce it on a flash card. Write it in a sentence. Have the child find it in books. Then use the flash cards. If your child does not know a flash card word, say what the word is. Once a child knows all five words, go on to another five, but don't forget to review words frequently.
Have fun teaching your child these words. Adapt popular games, such as Bingo, Old Maid, and Go Fish. For example, you can play a form of Bingo using the words your child is learning instead of numbers.
Have your child read easy material. It will give him or her practice in reading these words. For example, a first grader could read material from beginning readers, and a second grader could read first grade materials. Just use materials in which the child does not miss more than one word in twenty.
More help for learning to read
Dr. Edward Fry has written a very easy-to-understand book for parents, tutors, and teachers called How To Teach Reading. It includes a list of 600 Instant Words; sections on teaching phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension; information on how to find the right reading material for children; suggestions for games; and much more. It can be found at online booksellers and in Barnes and Noble stores.