Word Chaining with Meaning

As a dyslexia therapist, I know firsthand the power of connecting sounds, letters, and meaning in ways that truly “stick” for our students. Early literacy should include building flexible pathways that help children unlock reading and spelling with confidence. That’s why I’m so excited to team up with SLP Leanne Dall for this guest post on the Bjorem Speech® blog.

Together, we’re sharing how word chaining with meaning—brought to life through Bjorem’s Links and Ladders CVC Word Chains—can make a big difference in early literacy instruction. By changing just one sound at a time, students don’t just practice phonemic awareness and orthographic mapping; they also strengthen memory, pattern recognition, and comprehension. And because each word is paired with illustrations, the activity lightens cognitive load while reinforcing meaning—a game-changer for students, especially those with dyslexia.

This post is all about blending the science of reading with playful, practical tools you can use right away. Whether you’re an educator, therapist, or parent, I can’t wait for you to explore this approach with us and see how it can help students take those all-important first steps toward confident reading.

Check out the full post here - I’d love to hear your feedback or insights!