How it works
This functional sight words list holds 114 words and short phrases from signs, doors, receipts and roads, in five groups. The words are our own choice, and each card's back gives a one-line meaning.
Read the full guide
Why the cards are in capitals
Many signs print their words in capitals, so the cards do too: EXIT on a card looks like EXIT over a door. PUSH and PULL sit in the doors group, because both are met on the same door.
Teach one group, then find it outside
Safety signs, the opening group, is 22 cards on 2 sheets. Press Missed it on any word the reader stops at, and it comes back. Then look for the same words on a walk through a store or down a street.
- BEST BY marks quality, not safety: food past that date may still be safe to eat.
Questions and answers
What are functional sight words?
Words a reader needs to get through the day rather than to read a book: the words on signs, doors, labels and receipts, such as EXIT, PUSH, POISON and TOTAL. They are learned as whole words, on sight.
Which functional sight words come first?
Safety words: the page opens on them, with STOP, DANGER, POISON, DO NOT ENTER and the exit signs. The order is our suggestion. Then take the group the reader meets most, at school, at work or on the way home.
Can I print the list as a PDF?
Turn a card, then press the print button under it and choose Save as PDF. The file holds the group on screen as cards, 12 to a sheet of Letter or A4, with the meanings on a mirrored sheet of backs.