These are common words frequently encountered in reading materials geared towards 9- to 10-year-old students. Often phonetically irregular, they are difficult to decode using conventional phonics rules. Examples include “because,” “thought,” and “friend.” Mastery of these terms allows students to read more fluently and comprehend texts with greater ease.
Rapid and automatic recognition of these high-frequency vocabulary terms is crucial for reading comprehension at this developmental stage. It frees up cognitive resources, allowing students to focus on understanding the meaning of the text rather than struggling to decode individual words. A strong foundation in these fundamental terms built upon earlier grades contributes significantly to improved reading fluency and overall literacy. This cumulative approach supports the transition to more complex texts encountered in upper elementary school.