Unlock Reading Confidence with Orthographic Mapping Activities📚 From Simone’s Tutoring – Personalized English & Afrikaans Lessons for Children
- Simone Dahkoul
- Apr 17
- 2 min read
Is your child still guessing words instead of reading them confidently? Or perhaps they forget the same sight words over and over again? If so, orthographic mapping may be the breakthrough tool they need.
What Is Orthographic Mapping?
Orthographic mapping is how the brain stores words so they can be recognized instantly. It connects sounds (phonemes), letters (graphemes), and word meaning, helping children move from decoding every letter to reading whole words with ease.
In other words, it’s how we go from sounding out c-a-t to recognizing cat in a flash—without relying on pictures or guessing.
Why It Works
Orthographic mapping gives learners a systematic way to remember and read words. Instead of memorizing entire word lists (which can be frustrating and ineffective), students learn to decode and internalize words in a way that sticks—laying the groundwork for fluent reading and strong spelling.
Try It at Home: A Quick “Map the Word” Activity
Let’s take the word “pan” as an example:
Say the Word – pan
Tap the Sounds – /p/ /a/ /n/
Map the Sounds – Draw three boxes and write one letter in each:
🟥 = P 🟥 = A 🟥 = N
Blend and Read – Point to each letter and blend the sounds.
Write the Word – Have your child write pan on their own.
Activities like this are simple but powerful—and they’re a regular part of my reading lessons.
Ready to Support Your Child’s Reading?
At Simone’s Tutoring, I offer fun, personalized sessions designed to help young learners build reading confidence through phonics, decoding, and orthographic mapping.
👉 Book your child’s session today—whether you're just getting started or want to strengthen existing reading skills.
📍In-person in Dubai Silicon Oasis or online
🗓 Flexible sessions available for Kindergarten & Primary students
💬 English & Afrikaans instruction available
Let’s build strong readers—one sound at a time!
With care, Simone
Simone’s Tutoring