When I was a Director at a coop nursery school, I would have been taken aback by a question like this. I would, instead of giving the parent a list of words, provide her with NAEYC's widely held expectations for development at different ages - readily available in the DAP book by Copple and Bredekamp. Another resource would be Gesell's work. I would emphasize to the parent that each child develops in each development domain unevenly but that, barring any developmental issues, all children will learn to recognize alphabet letters, sounds, and sight words when they enter kindergarten and later primary grades.
This parent sounds very anxious. Maybe, another strategy might be to develop a decent enough relationship with the parent where you might be able to discuss the anxiety about word recognition and what is leading her to ask for a sight word list.
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Nora Krieger, PhD
Associate Professor Emerita/Past Chair NJEEPRE
Bloomfield College/NJ Educators Exploring the Practices of Reggio Emilia
Highland Park, NJ
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-27-2020 06:00 AM
From: Nancy Murphy
Subject: Words a child should know by age
Hi,
A parent has asked me if there is a list of words by age that a child should know--similar to a sight word list. I responded "good question" and I will find out. I am seeking answers. Is there such a list? IF so where would I find it?
Thank you so much in advance for your assistance.
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Miss Nancy
Pre-K Teacher
Waldorf MD
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