What do sight words help children develop in relation to reading?

Sight words are high-frequency words that children often encounter in texts, and they are crucial for developing reading fluency and comprehension. When children recognize sight words automatically, they can read more smoothly and quickly, allowing them to focus on understanding the overall meaning of what they are reading rather than being bogged down by decoding each individual word.

Fluency involves being able to read at a good pace with appropriate expression, and sight words contribute to this by providing a foundation of easily recognizable words. When children do not have to spend time decoding these words, they can concentrate on the narrative or informational content of the text, which enhances their comprehension skills. Therefore, mastering sight words directly supports children's ability to become fluent readers and to grasp what they are reading more effectively, making both aspects essential for their overall reading development.