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34. Orthographic Mapping, Sight Words & High-Frequency Words: What Every Teacher Should Know
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In this solo episode of Literacy in Color, we’re cutting through the confusion around sight words, high-frequency words, and orthographic mapping. You’ll get a clear, research-backed understanding of how the brain actually learns words — and why traditional memorization strategies just don’t cut it.
Michelle breaks down why every word "wants to grow up and become a sight word" and shares how teachers can make smart instructional moves that build strong, fluent readers by honoring what we know from the Science of Reading.
If you’ve ever wondered:
- Should I still send home sight word flashcards?
- What’s orthographic mapping actually mean?
- How can I organize my high-frequency instruction around phonics skills?
...this episode will answer ALL of that (and more!) in a practical, empowering way.
Key Takeaways:
- The difference between sight words and high-frequency words (hint: they're not the same)
- What orthographic mapping is—and why it’s not an activity
- How words become mapped for instant recognition
- Why explicit instruction—not memorization—is key to building fluent readers
- How to group high-frequency words by phonics features for better transfer and mastery
Resources Mentioned:
This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the podcast!
Other Helpful Resources:
- High Frequency Words Sorted Phonics by Skill, Mapped in Sound Boxes
- Seasonal Word Mapping Boards
- Blog Post: Why Orthographic Mapping is Important when Teaching High Frequency Words
- FREE Guide: Phonics & Morphology Terms Every Teacher Needs to Know
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