Beginning readers use many different strategies to become more fluent readers. One of the most important methods is learning to read and recognize sight words. These are basic words that are memorized rather than sounded out. You can work with your child at home to develop sight word recognition. I can tell you after teaching for 15 years, working hard to learn these words by sight (memorizing) pays off. It can speed up how quickly your child learns to read. They are important to learn so your child doesn't get discouraged when they have to stop and sound out every. single. word. Kids start kindergarten knowing their letter sounds. Some kids are even able to read a handful of basic words.