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How It Works

A Science-based Model for Teaching the Alphabetic Code and High-Frequency Words

Eyewords resources combines pictures, sounds, and actions with phonics to create a fun and effective method for teaching the alphabetic code and high-frequency words. By integrating Multisensory Learning, Social-Emotional Learning, and principles from the Science of Reading, this research-based approach not only accelerates reading fluency, comprehension, and spelling but also transforms learning into an enjoyable experience. Ideal for Pre-K to grade 3 learners, English Language Learners (ELLs), and those with learning exceptionalities, Eyewords empowers learners to master foundational literacy skills with confidence.

 

Improved Neural Synaptic Transmission

Cognitive neuroscience confirms that brain neurons that fire together, wire together. Therefore, when we learn while engaging multiple senses simultaneously, neurons in the brain fire at the same time and wire together to create neural networks. This “multisensory wiring” allows the brain to store and retrieve information more efficiently than with unisensory learning. 

The Alpha-Code: A Foundational Tool

The Alpha-Code is a foundational tool that teaches letter-sound correspondences through embedded mnemonics by integrating pictures, sounds, and actions to make learning engaging, memorable, and effective.
•   Each letter or letter combination is embedded with a playful image that cues its sound.
•   Related actions and movements reinforce the letter-sound association.
•   Mouth shape visuals guide learners in proper sound production to ensure accurate pronunciation.
By activating multiple senses—seeing, hearing, and moving—the Alpha-Code strengthens neural pathways and fully engages children’s attention. This approach makes learning more effective and enjoyable, enabling learners to easily retain and recall letter-sound connections.

 

Eyewords with Sound Mapping: Advancing Literacy Skills

For learners ready to deepen their phonics and phonemic awareness skills, Eyewords with Sound Mapping enhances the multisensory word method with:
•   Explicit Sound Mapping where learners connect letters or letter combinations with corresponding sounds.
•   Structured Phonics Instruction that follows a clear scope and sequence.
•   The Heart Word Method highlights “irregular” or “tricky” parts of words that must be learned “by heart,” helping learners differentiate between phonetically decodable components and those requiring memorization.
Designed for K-3 learners, Eyewords with Sound Mapping boosts word reading, spelling, and phonics skills. This enhancement provides students with the tools and confidence to progress through the reading continuum effectively.

Eyewords High Frequency Words: Building Foundational Literacy

Eyewords is a multisensory method for teaching high-frequency words that builds on the foundation of the Alpha-Code:
•   Contextual Images give meaning to abstract words to life to bring them to life.
•   Meaningful phrases help anchor words into memory.
•   Engaging Actions aid with memory and reinforce word recognition.
This approach is particularly effective for Pre-K and Kindergarten learners, English Language Learners, and students with exceptionalities. It helps learners anchor words into their memory more effectively, develop a large bank of high-frequency words, and gain confidence in their reading abilities.
As learners progress, coordinating sound mapping worksheets can be incorporated to gradually build on existing knowledge. These activities guide learners to connect sounds to letters within the words, deepening their understanding of word structure and phonics, as well as strengthening their ability to recognize and recall the words. This step-by-step approach ensures learners master foundational skills and gain confidence before tackling more advanced reading and spelling tasks.

The Invaluable Role of Play

It is well understood that children learn naturally through active play. When children engage in play, their attention and learning retention is high. Each Set of Eyewords Multisensory Teaching Cards includes its own series of play-based reading games and activities designed to help consolidate sight word reading of the high frequency words quickly, efficiently and in a fun and engaging way. Learners activate all modalities through experiences of touching, moving, seeing and hearing. All activities are designed to support self-regulation, motivation, social engagement and mental systems such as attention, perception and memory.

Data Tracking

Data collection and analysis allow educators, clinicians and parents to see how their learners are performing over time and to use that information to guide instruction and provide additional support. Data allows students to see a real-time snapshot of their performance and progress and set personalized goals for themselves. It also allows school principals and district administrators to analyze achievement gaps between groups of students and implement targeted interventions to close them. Eyewords provides tools for efficient data collection and analysis to guide instruction and monitor progress.

These tools include:

  • Excel and Google Sheets Trackers with automatic graphing for assessment comparison.
    •   Educator and Student PDF Trackers to document performance over time.

Physical and Digital Resources

Eyewords offers a wide range of physical and digital products designed to support at-home, in-school, and virtual learning:

  • Physical Products: Teaching cards, dictionaries, and sight word blankets.
  • Digital Resources: Printable teaching cards, sound mapping and activity worksheets, pocket cards, printable games, interactive lessons, and data assessment tools.

These resources provide everything needed to propel learners toward strong reading fluency and comprehension, making literacy accessible and engaging for all.