Orton-Gillingham Red Words: Activities, Example, & More

What Are Red Words?

Red words are sight words that don’t follow typical phonetic patterns, making them difficult to decode using regular rules. Unlike regular words that can be sounded out, red words have unique spelling patterns that must be memorized. Learning these words by sight allows students to read more fluently, as they’re able to recognize and understand these words without needing to decode each sound. 

Red Words are learned through repetition and will be mastered with memorization. Students use the 9-step Red Word process to learn the new Red Word and use the Loading and Arm Tapping tool to retrieve the word for reading and spelling. Practice Red Words often throughout the day to ensure this mastery.

Importance of Red Words for Reading Fluency

Red words play a crucial role in building reading fluency. Because red words appear frequently in English but don’t adhere to phonetic rules, memorizing them by sight helps students read smoothly without needing to decode every letter. This helps students read quicker and with better comprehension. 

Mastering red words also boosts confidence, especially for young learners who may become frustrated with the unpredictable and complicated English language. By recognizing red words, students can focus on understanding the meaning of what they’re reading, rather than getting bogged down by decoding challenges. This is particularly beneficial for students who struggle with reading because it allows them to progress at their own pace and feel more confident.

Red Word Activities

The following are some activity ideas that parents and teachers can work on with young learners to practice their understanding of red words: 

• Ask students to Load and Armtap often throughout the day. Standing in line for specials or dismissal is a perfect time to practice Red Words. 
• Create personal Red Word practice packets by asking students to write their newly learned Red Word on an index card. Place those words on a Red Word Ring to be used for practice often throughout the day. Students should be encouraged to Load and Armtap each Red Word in their packet. 
• Send a “bumpy” copy of the new Red Word home for extra practice. Tell students to tape the word to their refrigerator or their bedroom door. They must trace and spell the word when they open the door. 
• Use different ways to practice the Red Words, such as whispering or shouting the spelling of the Red Word. Use other motions, such as dribbling a basketball for the letters and shooting the hoop for the word.

Red Word List

A good red word list typically includes common words that young learners will encounter often in texts. Teachers can create lists based on the student’s reading level, grade, or specific challenges. Here are some examples to get you started:

• Said
• Was
• Because
• Could
• They
• Where
• People
• Done
• Of
• Does
• Some
• Friend
• One
• Would
• Many

Written by Ingrid Hartig

Ingrid is a Master Instructor with Brainspring’s Educator Academy

Brainspring has proudly supported the educational community for more than 25 years.

Our Educator Academy provides educators in grades K-12 with comprehensive MSL Professional Development courses. Learn more about our in-person and online professional development.

The Learning Centers support students through one-on-one, multisensory tutoring sessions. Learn more about our in-person (available in Southeast Michigan) and nationwide online tutoring.