Duck Level Words
These are high frequency words used within the Speech Sound Pics (SSP) Approach, mapped to show the graphemes using our unique Code Mapping® algorithm - which you can play with for free at SpeedieWordMapping.com
These high-frequency words are Code Mapped® to show which letters are graphemes, with the voice-over making their sound value clear. Children use the routine to store the words in the brain’s word bank. This is what we were doing within the Speech Sound Pics (SSP) Approach well over a decade ago, at a time when almost everyone believed words had to be taught by memory, assuming children needed to memorise them “by sight”. We mapped every word of English.
We then 'Monster Mapped®' them a few years later to clearly SHOW which letters are graphemes AND which phonemes (Phonemies) they map to.
If showing the graphemes for so-called “sight words” was already seen as disruptive, you can imagine the reaction to Reception children being able to read and spell over 400 high-frequency words when using the Speech Sound Pics approach with Speech Sound Monsters.
Those committed to explicit instruction, where a teacher slowly and laboriously shows children the so-called “exception” parts of every word labelled as tricky, with every child taught at the same pace, were understandably unsettled. Instead of slowing children down with extended explanations, we were showing their brains the information quickly, without teaching, and this significantly reduced cognitive load.
This approach can be used at home, or added alongside a synthetic phonics programme. When we show the code and limit explicit instruction, embracing personalised learning, more children begin self-teaching, and they learn more of the words they need on a daily basis.
Over 400 words often called common exception or high-frequency words recognised on sight and spelt correctly in writing within 12 months, before Year 1.
“When you show the sight word code, there’s no need to teach sight words.”
Emma Hartnell-Baker, The Neurodivergent Reading Whisperer®