How to Teach Heart Words in Kindergarten Using the OG Red Word Method

Teaching heart words in kindergarten is essential for building a strong foundation in early literacy. These words, often called high-frequency words or sight words, are crucial for young readers because they frequently appear in texts and often don’t follow regular phonics rules. The Orton-Gillingham (OG) Red Word method is a powerful tool for teaching these tricky words in a way that helps students store them in their visual memory. This post will guide you through the most effective way how to teach heart words using this method.

What Are Heart Words?

Heart words are high-frequency words that students need to learn by heart because they contain irregular sounds or irregular spelling patterns that don’t fit the typical phonics skills taught in early reading. Examples of heart words include “said,” “the,” and “was.” These words often have a “tricky part of the word”—an irregular spelling or sound that doesn’t match the letter or letter combination. The OG Red Word method helps students focus on these irregular parts of the word and learn them through multisensory techniques.

Why Use the OG Red Word Method?

The OG Red Word method, rooted in the science of reading research, is a structured, systematic approach that provides explicit instruction in recognizing and remembering irregular words. This method is particularly effective for kindergarten and first-grade students who are just beginning to develop their reading skills. Cognitive scientists, such as Dr. David Kilpatrick, emphasize the importance of explicit phonics instruction and orthographic mapping to help students store words in their long-term memory. The Red Word method supports this process by engaging students in multisensory activities that reinforce sound-symbol relationships. Now, don’t be worried that the OG method is different from the heart word method. Typically, HOW you refer to the irregular words is the only part that is different. Heart words, red words, irregular words- these are all the same thing. They are unfamiliar words that we must learn how to spell because they have a tricky part of the word or an irregular spelling. 

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Teach Heart Words Using the OG Red Word Method

1. Introduction to the Word is the first step in for How to Teach Heart Words

   – Visual Presentation: Start by writing the new heart word on a whiteboard using a red marker. This color signals to students that this word is special and requires extra attention. Highlight the “tricky part of the word” or the irregular phonics patterns that don’t follow regular phonetic patterns.

   – Discuss the Word: Explain to the students why this word is a heart word. For example, you might say, “This word is ‘said.’ The tricky part is the ‘ai’ in the middle because it doesn’t make the sound you would expect. We need to learn this word by heart.”

2. Multisensory Techniques for How to Teach Heart Words

   – Say It Aloud: Have the students say the whole word aloud, then break it down by each letter. This reinforces the auditory connection. Emphasize the irregular sounds or tricky parts of the word as they spell it.

   – Sky Writing: Guide students to “sky write” the word in the air using their fingers. As they write each letter, they should say it out loud. This kinesthetic activity helps solidify the word in their memory.

3. Tactile Practice for How to Teach Heart Words

   – Red Word Writing: Provide students with red crayons or markers to write the word on paper. They should write it multiple times, saying each letter and the whole word aloud. This tactile experience helps them engage with the word in a hands-on way.

   – Sand or Salt Tray: Allow students to practice writing the heart word in a tray of sand or salt. The texture provides an additional sensory experience that reinforces their learning.

4. Reinforcement Activities for How to Teach Heart Words

   – Heart Word Flash Cards: Create flashcards with the heart words written in red. Use these cards for daily sight word practice, where students can quickly review and spell the words. This is one of the best ways how to teach heart words effectively.

   – Matching Games: Design matching games where students pair the heart word with a picture or another word that rhymes with it. This activity makes learning engaging and fun, helping students internalize the words through play.

   – Heart Word Wall: Dedicate a section of your classroom wall to heart words. Add new heart words as they are introduced, and encourage students to refer to the wall during phonics lessons or independent reading. This visual reminder is another great strategy on **how to teach heart words**.

5. Daily Review and Practice for How to Teach Heart Words

   – Daily Practice: Incorporate heart words into your daily phonics lessons. Spend a few minutes each day reviewing previously learned words and introducing new words. Consistent, daily practice is key to helping students internalize these words. Daily review is crucial in **how to teach heart words** successfully.

   – Heart Word Practice Sheets: Provide students with practice sheets that focus on a specific heart word. These sheets might include activities like tracing the word, filling in missing letters, or using the word in a sentence.

   – Whole Group and Small Group Instruction: Use both whole group instruction and small groups to practice heart words. In whole group lessons, introduce new words and review common words. In small groups, provide targeted practice for students who need additional support.

I love this video resource from Really Great Reading. I think thee videos are heart word magic.

How to Teach Heart Words In Kindergarten

Teaching heart words using the OG Red Word method in kindergarten is an effective instructional practice that sets young readers up for reading success. By incorporating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities, this method helps students internalize tricky words and irregular spellings through rote memorization, while also building their confidence as readers. Understanding how to teach heart words using these strategies will make a significant difference in your classroom.

Using tools like heart word flash cards, practice sheets, and daily reviews, you can ensure that your students become successful readers who recognize these important words instantly. The OG Red Word method is not just a better way to teach heart words—it’s the best practice for helping early readers master the high-frequency word list and achieve long-term success in reading.

With consistent practice and the right resources, your kindergarten students will become confident readers, ready to tackle any word they encounter—no matter how tricky it might be!