Your child hesitates over simple words like “said,” “was,” or “one,” turning reading time into a frustrating experience. It’s hard to watch them struggle, and you want to help without making reading feel like a constant battle. This challenge happens because many of these words don’t follow the rules your child already knows, making stories feel confusing and overwhelming.

Knowing what heart words are gives you a clear, practical strategy to tackle these tricky words. With this approach, your child can read and write with confidence, using what they already know while learning the exceptions step by step. In this blog, you’ll discover what heart words are, why they matter, and practical methods to teach them effectively at home or in class.

By the end, you’ll have actionable ways to help your child master tricky words, enjoy reading, and write with ease.

Key Takeaways 

• Heart words focus on memorizing only the irregular parts of high-frequency words while decoding the rest.

• Recognizing heart words simultaneously boosts reading fluency and strengthens spelling skills.

• Systematic teaching steps help children identify familiar sounds, mark tricky portions, and reinforce learning.

• Gradually introducing heart words according to grade level ensures steady progress without overwhelming children.

• Fun, hands-on activities make learning irregular words engaging and support long-term retention.

What Are Heart Words?

Heart words are high-frequency words that contain both regular phonetic patterns and irregular parts that children must memorize. The regular portions follow standard phonics rules, while the irregular "heart part" requires memory-based learning.

This reading instruction method teaches children to decode familiar letter patterns while memorizing only the tricky portions. Heart words replace traditional sight word approaches by honoring phonics knowledge rather than requiring whole-word memorization.

Key features of heart words include:

• Regular parts that follow phonics rules children already know.

• One or two irregular portions that break standard spelling patterns.

• Systematic approach connecting spelling to pronunciation.

• Reduced memory load compared to whole-word memorization.

Recent research in reading science and neuroscience shows children learn best when instruction aligns with how their brains process written language. Heart words focus memory on the tricky part “by heart,” while children use phonics skills for everything else. 

Many words that seem irregular actually follow patterns children already know, making new words more approachable. This method builds confidence as children read most parts independently, supporting both reading accuracy and fluency.

Understanding what heart words are is only the first step. The real impact shows when you see how these words shape a child’s reading journey. Let’s look at why they matter so much.

Why Heart Words Matter?

Reading fluency depends heavily on recognizing high-frequency words instantly. Research shows that the most common 100-200 high-frequency words make up about 50% of all written text that children encounter. Many of these frequently used words contain irregular spelling patterns.

Your child's reading confidence grows when they can tackle these common words successfully. Heart words provide the foundation for:

• Building Reading Speed: Children read faster when they recognize frequent words automatically. Heart words teach recognition while maintaining understanding of spelling patterns. Your child develops both speed and comprehension skills simultaneously.

• Reducing Reading Frustration: Struggling with common words creates negative reading experiences. Heart words prevent this by giving children tools to approach irregular words systematically. Your child feels capable rather than confused when encountering new words.

• Supporting Spelling Development: Heart words help children understand why certain words are spelled the way they are. This knowledge transfers to writing activities and spelling assessments. Your child learns to notice patterns even in irregular words.

Both parents and teachers benefit from focusing on heart words because this method aligns with how children naturally learn. The approach respects your child's growing phonics knowledge while addressing the reality of English spelling irregularities.

Also Read: How to Help Your Child Struggling with Writing Skills

Now that the importance of heart words is evident, the next challenge is teaching them effectively. To solve this, we have outlined a step-by-step approach to make the learning process simple and enjoyable.

Curious how FunFox can help your child learn heart words quickly and effectively?

Book a free trial class today!

How to Teach Heart Words to Your Child?

Teaching heart words requires a systematic approach that builds on your child's existing phonics knowledge. This method works whether you're supporting learning at home or implementing it in classroom settings.

Here are four simple steps that transform how your child learns irregular words:

Step 1: Introduce the Word

Your child needs to see and hear the word clearly before breaking it down. This first step creates familiarity and confidence.

• Show your child the word written in large, clear letters.

• Read the word aloud slowly and have them repeat it three times.

• Discuss what the word means using simple language.

• Use the word in a sentence your child can understand.

• Ask your child to say the word back to you.

Step 2: Sound Out Regular Parts

Guide your child to find the letters they already know within the word. This step builds confidence by highlighting familiar patterns.

• Point to each letter or letter combination that follows phonics rules.

• Let your child sound out these familiar parts independently.

• Praise them for recognizing sounds they've learned before.

• Help them connect these parts to sounds they are familiar with.

• Encourage them to take pride in what they can already decode.

Step 3: Identify the Heart Part

Mark the irregular portion clearly so your child knows which part needs special memory work. Keep your explanation simple and encouraging.

• Circle or highlight the irregular portion with a heart shape or red color.

• Explain that this part gets remembered “by heart” because it breaks the usual rules.

• Tell them it’s okay that this part doesn’t follow patterns they're familiar with.

• Reassure them that memorizing small parts is totally normal.

Example with “Said”

Present the word to your child. Point out that s and d make their expected sounds. Then circle ai and explain that in this word, it says e instead of the usual ai sound. Have your child practice saying “s-e-d” while pointing to each part of the word. This shows them exactly how to handle tricky chunks while still relying on what they already know.

Step 4: Practice with Multiple Senses

Your child learns best when multiple senses work together. This step makes the memory stick through varied practice.

• Have your child trace the word while saying each part aloud.

• Use different textures, such as sand, finger paint, or textured paper, for writing.

• Try clapping or tapping for each sound in the word.

• Utilize a variety of colors for regular parts and heart parts.

• Practice the word in different positions, such as standing, sitting, and moving.

This approach helps children decode what they can, mark what they must learn by heart, and reinforce memory through practice. With consistency, irregular words stop feeling overwhelming and become manageable building blocks of fluent reading.

Also Read: Types of Reading Impairments and Solutions 

Once you understand the teaching process, the next question is where to begin. A list of common heart words gives you the right starting point.

Want your child to master heart words confidently with expert guidance?

Enrol now with FunFox! 

List of Common Heart Words Your Child Should Know 

Heart words change as children grow. A word might be tricky for one child but easy for another, depending on what phonics skills they’ve mastered. Below are common heart words, grouped by grade levels, with a focus on the parts children need to remember by heart.

Tricky examples to notice

• The word 'One' sounds like it starts with a “w,” even though it begins with “o.”

• The word Would has a silent “l” and an unexpected “ou” sound.

• 'Through' is especially difficult because “ough” does not follow regular rules.

Heart words are not learned all at once but built gradually, step by step. When parents know which words are common at each stage, it becomes easier to guide practice without overwhelming the child.

Also Read: 50 Creative Writing Exercises to Inspire Younger Writers

Having a list is helpful, but memorization alone rarely sticks. That’s why engaging activities are essential for helping children master these words with confidence.

6 Engaging Activities to Help Kids Master Heart Words

Making heart word practice enjoyable helps your child retain these important words more successfully. These activities can be conducted at home or in classroom settings with minimal preparation required.

Try these six engaging activities that turn learning into play:

1. Heart Word Mapping

Visual maps help your child distinguish between regular and irregular word parts. Children love creating colorful word pictures that make sense of tricky spellings.

How to Do It

• Draw the word in large letters on paper or a whiteboard.

• Use different colors for phonetic parts and heart parts.

• Have your child trace over the heart sections with their finger.

• Ask them to say the irregular sounds aloud while tracing.

• Create multiple maps for the same word, each using a different color.

• Display completed maps where your child can see them daily

2. Rainbow Writing

Colorful repetition makes memorizing heart words feel like an art project. Your child practices writing while creating something beautiful and memorable.

How to Do It

• Give your child different colored pencils, markers, or crayons.

• Have them write the heart word multiple times on one page.

• Use one color for regular parts and a contrasting color, such as red or pink, for heart parts.

• Encourage them to say each part while writing it.

• Let them choose their favorite color combinations.

• Save the rainbow pages as reading practice tools

3. Heart Word Memory Games

Matching games offer repeated word exposure in a fun and competitive format. Children often ask to play these games repeatedly without realizing how much they're learning.

How to Do It

• Create matching cards with heart words and corresponding pictures.

• Make pairs with heart words and simple sentence examples.

• Start with 6-8 pairs for younger children; more pairs are recommended for older kids.

• Have your child flip two cards to find matches.

• Discuss the heart parts when matches are found.

• Add new heart words as your child masters current ones

4. Sensory Writing Practice

Touch-based learning creates strong memory connections for irregular word patterns. Children remember words more effectively when their hands and fingers are involved in the learning process.

How to Do It

• Fill a shallow tray with sand, salt, rice, or finger paint.

• Have your child write heart words using their finger or a stick.

• Focus extra time on tracing the heart parts slowly.

• Let them "erase" by smoothing the surface and try again.

• Use different textures to add variety and maintain interest.

• Clean up together while reviewing the words they practiced

5. Heart Word Bingo

Bingo games motivate children to recognize words quickly while building listening skills. This classic game format makes heart word practice feel like a fun family activity.

How to Do It

• Create bingo cards with heart words your child is learning.

• Call out definitions, sentences, or show pictures as clues.

• Use small objects, such as beans or coins, as markers.

• Celebrate when they get bingo with praise and high-fives.

• Switch roles and let your child be the caller sometimes.

6. Story Context Practice

Real reading situations show your child how heart words work in actual books and stories. This activity connects practice to the ultimate goal of reading fluency.

How to Do It

• Select books at your child's reading level that include target heart words.

• Read together and pause when heart words appear.

• Point out the heart parts your child has been practicing.

• Ask your child to find heart words on the page independently.

• Discuss how these words help the story make sense.

• Keep a list of heart words found during reading time.

Fun at home can take your child a long way, but expert guidance adds another layer of support. Let’s now examine how FunFox can enhance heart word learning through structured programs.

Also Read: Kindergarten Reading Level Guide and Tips 

How FunFox Strengthens Your Child’s Heart Word Learning?

FunFox helps children strengthen their vocabulary knowledge through structured reading, practical writing applications, and expert guidance.

To make this clear, here’s how FunFox helps:

• Readers Club: In the Readers Club (grades 3–8), children practice recognizing heart words within engaging texts. Teachers guide them directly in context, ensuring accurate identification and understanding.

• Writers Club: Through the Writers Club (grades 1–7), children apply heart words in their own writing. Teachers correct spelling, explain irregularities, and help students gain confidence in everyday usage.

• Expert Teachers: FunFox’s trained teachers introduce heart words in the correct sequence, explain irregular patterns clearly, and provide targeted support when challenges arise.

• Small Group Sessions: Children learn in small groups, receiving personalized attention while benefiting from peer interaction that keeps the process interactive and motivating.

• Step-by-Step Progression: Instruction follows a systematic order, starting with simple, irregular words and gradually moving to more complex ones, building mastery without overwhelming learners.

By combining the Readers Club, Writers Club, and expert-led teaching, FunFox ensures children gain confidence with heart words while strengthening long-term reading and writing skills.

Conclusion

Understanding what heart words are helps children move from guessing tricky words to reading them with improved lasting confidence.

They improve reading and writing fluency while reducing frustration and giving the child freedom to enjoy stories without constant pauses.

FunFox builds confidence through engaging activities that blend practice with fun, creating steady progress every step of the way.

Book a free trial class with FunFox today and discover how we can support your child’s journey toward confident reading and writing skills.

FAQ’s 

1. What is the difference between sight words and heart words?

Sight words are memorized as whole units without focus on phonics. Heart words combine phonics decoding with memory for the irregular part, reducing memorization load and improving reading accuracy.

2. How to explain heart words to parents?

Heart words are high-frequency words that children decode by recognizing regular letter patterns and memorize only the tricky parts. This approach strengthens reading confidence and helps parents guide learning more effectively at home.

3. What is a heart word called?

A heart word is also known as an irregular high-frequency word. Children learn the irregular portion “by heart” while decoding the rest using phonics knowledge they already have.

4. How many heart words are there?

The number of heart words varies by the child’s reading level. Lists grow gradually across grades, focusing on common high-frequency words with irregular or tricky spelling patterns.

5. Is friend a heart word?

Yes, “friend” is a heart word for children who have learned basic phonics rules. The irregular “ie” combination requires memorization, while other letters follow standard patterns.