Videos: Shorts

Encoding is the process of taking a spoken word, segmenting it into smaller parts, and representing those parts in written form. It is the reverse process of decoding and a component of spelling. Spelling is often used synonymously with encoding, but spelling refers to a broader linguistic process. While some words can be spelled using encoding alone, others require writers to apply spelling conventions unique to each written language system.

This routine for spelling multisyllabic words supports students in applying a simple and consistent strategy to encode words with more than one syllable. A comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to use this routine to break the encoding process into manageable chunks.

Discover how small shifts in word work or spelling instruction can strengthen reading and writing skills.

Word sorts are categorization activities that reinforce previously taught phoneme-grapheme (sound-letter) correspondences. A comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to use word sorts to support students' attention to orthographic details and the precision needed for accurate spelling and fluent reading.

Decoding is the process of using learned letter-sound correspondences to sound out words and typically precedes more automatic, effortless word recognition. When a student demonstrates automatic word recognition, they access the word as if by sight. Decoding is the reverse process of encoding.

Many high-frequency words (words that appear often in text) are non-phonetic, and can be particularly challenging for beginning readers who are decoding words using their phonics knowledge. A comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to introduce irregularly-spelled words to support students' early reading skills.

Teaching students to recognize irregular spellings without undermining phonics instruction has long challenged educators. Heart Word routines aim to bridge that gap— but how can we truly optimize irregular word learning and instructional time? Let's dig into the research.

The Auditory Drill is a warm-up routine intended to reinforce letter-sound knowledge by writing. A comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to use this activity to improve both accuracy and automaticity with previously learned letter-sound correspondences.

Phoneme-grapheme mapping encourages students to use a simple and consistent method to encode words. A comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to use this method to spell by sound.

Decoding and spelling errors reveal where students are stuck and allow us to analyze the best teaching opportunity. Kara Campbell shows how immediate feedback using a diagnostic, prescriptive approach maximizes student learning.