Heart words are high-frequency words that are irregular and don't follow standard spelling rules. We use this strategy to help students remember high-frequency words that aren't decodable. These words need to be explicitly taught by placing a little heart above the part of the word that they need to learn 'by heart'. When students engage in word chain activities, the focus is on changing one sound and grapheme to form a new word, then changing one sound and grapheme to form the next word, and so on. Phoneme manipulation in word chaining requires students to utilize their understanding of segmentation, blending, the position of sound within the word, and the ability to isolate and change the sound to create a new word.
Recognize and Identify Heart Words: Participants will be able to identify high-frequency words that are irregular and do not follow standard spelling rules.
Engage in Word Chain Activities: Participants will engage in activities that involve changing one sound and grapheme to form new words.
Apply Segmentation and Blending Techniques: Participants will use their understanding of segmentation and blending to form new words during word chain activities.
