Trying to learn words on a list by rote memory is inefficient, even if they are ‘tricky’ words. 

We store words in an oral filing system; each word made up of a unique sequences of sounds.

We can read words automatically, and without conscious effort, when we have learned how to connect the sounds in the word with the correct sequence of letters. 

The 'Heart Word' method draws on this to teach high-frequency words to beginning readers. 

"Suitable for Junior Infants to Second Class."