What is The Code Overlay?
When the children can see which letters are graphemes and their sound value we reduce cognitive load, and increase confidence and independence!
Map, download and print words with the MyWordz Technology®
The Code Overlay is a unique instructional application within Cognitive and Learning, specifically supporting Word Mapping. Word mapping is the process by which the brain connects speech sounds, phonemes, to written letters and letter patterns, graphemes, in order to recognise, store and retrieve words efficiently. This process builds the orthographic lexicon and underpins fluent reading, accurate spelling, and the self-teaching process that enables learners to independently decode and learn new words.
The Code Overlay directly addresses the opaque orthography of English. English spelling does not operate on simple one-to-one sound–letter correspondences. Instead, multiple graphemes can represent the same phoneme, and the same grapheme can represent different phonemes depending on context. This complexity creates cognitive load for many learners and contributes to reliance on guessing or memorisation strategies.
The Code Overlay is a core component of MyWordz® Technology, developed by dyslexia specialist Emma Hartnell-Baker. It is designed to strengthen Word Mapping Mastery® for learners of all neurotypes by making grapheme–phoneme relationships visible during reading and spelling. By explicitly revealing the structure of English orthography, the Code Overlay reduces cognitive overload, discourages guessing, and supports learners in reaching the self-teaching stage of literacy development. This increases the likelihood that children choose to read independently and experience genuine reading for pleasure. Less teaching, more self-teaching.
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