Kindergarten Spelling Words
Short three- and four-letter words for kindergarten: CVC words and first sight words that follow simple, predictable sound rules.
Tip: keep this page open on a phone and pass it around.
Kindergarten Spelling Words — full list (49 words)
- cat
- dog
- sun
- run
- big
- red
- hat
- sit
- mom
- dad
- see
- the
- and
- you
- my
- go
- we
- it
- is
- can
- me
- no
- yes
- look
- at
- him
- her
- play
- ball
- book
- milk
- fish
- tree
- blue
- green
- jump
- stop
- hand
- help
- want
- come
- here
- like
- love
- one
- two
- three
- four
- five
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Printable kindergarten spelling words — short vowel and sight words laid out as cut-out cards.
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How to play
- Use about 5 words a week. Say the word, then stretch the sounds: c-a-t.
- Let them write the word in sand, shaving cream or with a finger on the table before using a pencil.
- Point out the shared pattern (all of these end in -at) so it becomes one rule rather than five separate words.
- Stop while it is still fun. Five focused minutes a day is the whole lesson at this age.
FAQ
What spelling words should a kindergartener know?
Short vowel CVC words (cat, sit, run) and common sight words (the, and, you). Around 40-60 words across the year is typical.
How long should kindergarten spelling practice take?
5-10 minutes a day. Attention spans are short at this age, so daily short practice beats a long weekly session.
Should kindergarteners be tested on spelling?
Informal practice is usually enough. Formal weekly spelling tests generally start in 1st or 2nd grade.
What comes after CVC words?
Once short vowels are secure, move to blends (stop, jump) and then long vowel patterns with a silent e (cake, bike).