Shownotes
In this episode of Literacy in Color, Michelle sits down with THE Orton Gillingham Mama, Pryor Rayburn to take a deep dive into the hot-button world of sight words and high-frequency word instruction.
Pryor busts through common myths, clears up confusing terminology, and explores brain-based practices for teaching high frequency words through the lens of orthographic mapping. Whether you’ve relied on word lists, flashcards, or shape-based strategies in the past, this conversation will help you rethink your approach with evidence and intention.
Key Takeaways:
- What sight words, high-frequency words, heart words, and red words really mean
- Why memorization isn’t the goal—and how orthographic mapping is the key
- How to move beyond visual memory and shape-based cues
- The missing pieces in popular “heart word” methods—and how to fix them
- How to anchor meaning, teach irregular spellings, and bring context to every word
- Classroom-ready routines and tweaks for kinder through upper elementary
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Pryor Rayburn:
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