Orthographic Mapping Part I: How We Store Words For Proficient Reading

Summary

This video explores orthographic mapping and its crucial role in developing proficient reading skills, based on Dr. David Kilpatrick's research. It emphasizes that words are not stored in visual memory but rather through phonological processes, highlighting the significance of phonemic awareness. The presentation debunks common misconceptions about visual memory in reading, pointing out that effective reading instruction should focus on auditory skills rather than visual recognition. With research backing its claims, the video calls for a shift in teaching methods to address widespread reading difficulties among students.

Takeaways

• 📚 Orthographic mapping is essential for storing printed words in long-term memory, facilitating fluent reading.
• 🔍 Sight words are those that can be recognized instantly without phonetic decoding; they form a student's sight vocabulary.
• ❌ The common belief that words are stored as visual images is misleading; research shows this is not the case.
• ✏️ Phonological awareness, particularly phonemic awareness, is critical for developing a strong sight word vocabulary.
• 👀 Experiments indicate that word recognition is not reliant on visual memory, as seen with mixed case and different fonts.
• 🚫 Struggling readers do not have poor visual memory; they often lack proficient phonological skills instead.
• 🧠 Brain research highlights distinct areas activated during word recognition versus visual memory tasks.
• 📊 Studies show a strong correlation between auditory skills and sight word vocabulary development.
• 💡 Visual perceptual spatial processing aids in letter-sound learning and helps distinguish similar letters.
• 📖 Effective reading instruction must prioritize phonological skills over outdated beliefs about visual memory.

Q & A

What is orthographic mapping?

Orthographic mapping is the process by which our brains store printed words in long-term memory for fluent reading, allowing for instant recognition without sounding out.

Who developed the concept of orthographic mapping?

The concept of orthographic mapping was developed by Dr. Linnea Ehri, with Dr. David Kilpatrick discussing it extensively in his book 'Equipped for Reading Success.'

How do we initially learn to read unfamiliar words?

We initially learn to read unfamiliar words by sounding them out using phonics until we recognize them instantly as sight words.

What distinguishes sight words from other words?

Sight words are those that are immediately recognized without the need for sounding them out, encompassing all words a student can read effortlessly.

Why is visual memory not a reliable method for storing printed words?

Research indicates that words are not stored as visual images; instead, they are recognized through phonological processing, as demonstrated by experiments with mixed-case lettering and different fonts.

What role does phonemic awareness play in reading proficiency?

Phonemic awareness is crucial for building sight word vocabulary, as it involves understanding individual sounds in words, which directly links to reading proficiency.

How does the brain process word recognition differently from object recognition?

Brain scans show that different areas of the brain are activated for word recognition compared to object recognition, indicating distinct cognitive processes.

What misconception exists regarding struggling readers and visual memory?

Many believe that struggling readers have poor visual memory; however, research shows they often lack proficient phonological skills instead.

What does research suggest about the relationship between visual memory and reading success?

Research indicates that there is a minimal relationship between visual memory and sight vocabulary development, while auditory skills are strongly correlated with reading proficiency.

What is the importance of understanding phonological and phonemic awareness in education?

Understanding these concepts is essential for effective reading instruction, as it helps educators design strategies that support students' reading development without relying on flawed visual memory assumptions.