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What happens in the brain when a student learns a new word? Why do some words seem to “stick” while others are forgotten almost immediately?
I bet you have Googled, “How the brain learns words” in hopes of better understanding how your students can learn to read. And if you haven’t, I highly recommend doing it!
Understanding how the brain learns words can transform the way we teach reading. In this episode of The Stellar Teacher Podcast, Sara sits down with literacy researcher, educator, and co-author of Making Words Stick, Dr. Molly Ness, to explore the science behind orthographic mapping and its role in helping students become fluent readers.
Many upper elementary teachers work with students who can decode words during a lesson but struggle to recognize those same words automatically later. Dr. Ness explains why this happens and shares practical strategies teachers can use to support long-term word retention and reading success.
One of the highlights of this conversation is Dr. Ness’s simple four-step instructional routine designed to support orthographic mapping.
The routine helps students:
- Analyze and segment the sounds in a word.
- Connect sounds to spelling patterns.
- Explore the meaning of the word.
- Apply the word in authentic contexts.
This approach makes the invisible process of word learning visible and provides teachers with a practical framework they can use across grade levels and content areas.
If you’re looking for research-backed ways to support struggling readers and strengthen your literacy instruction, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
Tune in to hear Dr. Molly Ness explain the science of how the brain learns words (orthographic mapping) and discover practical ways to help more words stick for your students.
Orthographic mapping is a critical part of how the brain learns words and develops automatic word recognition. When students can instantly recognize words, they can devote more cognitive energy to understanding and thinking about the text they are reading.
After listening, you’ll better understand:
- How the brain learns words and stores them for future retrieval
- The science behind orthographic mapping
- Why automatic word recognition is essential for comprehension
- The connection between phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and fluency
- Common misconceptions about word learning
- Practical instructional strategies you can implement immediately
Resources Connected to this Episode:
- June is here and The Stellar Teacher Summer Learning Series is happening now! Join us for collaboration, learning, and fun. Visit stellarteacher.com/summerpd for more details.
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More About Stellar Teacher Podcast:
Welcome to the Stellar Teacher Podcast where we believe teaching literacy is a skill that can be strengthened with the right strategies, systems, and support.
Each week, Sara Marye — along with members of the Stellar Teacher Company team and other special guests — shares practical insights, instructional strategies, and honest conversations from the voices behind the magic of STC. With over a decade of experience as a classroom teacher and school leader, Sara is passionate about helping upper elementary teachers simplify their literacy block and make a meaningful impact.
Tune in on your favorite podcast platform: Apple, Google, Amazon, Spotify, Castbox, and more! If you’re loving this podcast, please rate, review, and follow.
Learn more about The Stellar Literacy Collective:
The Stellar Literacy Collective (SLC) is a membership designed for upper elementary teachers who want strong, effective literacy instruction… without spending hours planning every week.
Inside SLC, you’ll find ready-to-use, research-aligned lessons for reading, writing, and word study that work together to create a cohesive literacy block. From whole group comprehension lessons and vocabulary routines to small group supports and writing instruction, everything is built around consistent systems that support real classroom implementation.
If you’re tired of piecing lessons together or feeling like every week requires a brand-new strategy, SLC offers structure and clarity. It helps you simplify your literacy block, teach with intention, and create meaningful growth for your students!
Click HERE to learn more!
When you are searching for ways to create an SOR-aligned literacy block, The Stellar Teacher Podcast is here to support you. Each episode is designed to empower upper elementary teachers to simplify lesson planning, strengthen classroom routines, and build confident, capable readers without burnout. Every epsidoe is full of teacher tips! Teaching doesn’t have to feel overwhelming to be effective. With practical strategies, honest conversations, and systems that work in real classrooms, you can protect your energy while still delivering meaningful instruction. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode filled with encouragement and actionable ideas to support your literacy block all year long.
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