DiscoverThe Science of Reading FormulaFan Favorite- Stop Drilling Sight Word Flashcards! (Do This Instead)
Fan Favorite- Stop Drilling Sight Word Flashcards! (Do This Instead)

Fan Favorite- Stop Drilling Sight Word Flashcards! (Do This Instead)

Update: 2025-12-08
Share

Description

Are your students still struggling with sight words even after hours of drilling flashcards? You're not alone—and there’s a better way. In this episode, we're diving into research-backed strategies that actually help K-2 students retain high-frequency words without relying on visual memory.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

  • Why traditional sight word flashcard drills don’t work.
  • The 3-step shift to help students memorize words on autopilot.
  • How to align sight words with phonics instruction for better results.
  • A simple tool (sound maps!) that builds fluency and retention.
  • Why sorting by phonics rules is a game changer.

Show Links

Sight Word Lists by Phonics Skill on TPT / Free inside the Formula
Phonics Curriculum- Printable Lessons
Free Sound Map
Join Malia on Instagram.
Become a Science of Reading Formula member!

Rate, Review, and Follow

If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you.

Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out! 

Comments 
loading
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
1.0x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Fan Favorite- Stop Drilling Sight Word Flashcards! (Do This Instead)

Fan Favorite- Stop Drilling Sight Word Flashcards! (Do This Instead)

Malia Hollowell