Focus on skills that underlie reading
"There are no universally effective programs, but here are knowable principles that need to be incorporated in all programs about how we teach written language."
Maryanne Wolf, researcher and parent, in Proust and the Squid, 2007, p. 209
The following is a list of some programs that have been developed for struggling readers and writers. Some were created specifically for dyslexia, like Orton-Gillingham.
Depending on the program, it may focus on one of more of the various skills that underlie reading—oral language, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, spelling, or writing. You will need to determine which program works best for your child.
Most generally, these programs are best used in an individual or small group therapy setting. Professionals will want to familiarize themselves with the program. Some require specific training. Orton-Gillingham is a multi-faceted program that was created specifically for dyslexics. It teaches reading, writing, and spelling by using auditory, visual, and tactile measures. Many other reading and writing programs utilize the Orton-Gillingham approach.
When researching an Orton-Gillingham based program either for training courses or to access a certified tutor or therapist, look for programs/courses that have been accredited. The International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC) holds their accredited courses to rigorous standards that in turn allow the courses to certify qualified individuals who meet these standards as teachers, therapists and instructors. These accreditation-certification credentials ensure access to reliable and effective instruction. Other reliable resources for programs serving dyslexics are found through the Academic Language Therapy Association and the International Dyslexia Association.
In addition to the program descriptions, we have provided a table that summarizes some of the programs and their varying features.
Davis Symbol Mastery Kit
The Davis Symbol Mastery Kit is a fun, visual-spatial learning process that can improve basic literacy skills. It is part of the Davis Dyslexia Correction and follows the Symbol Mastery program described in The Gift of Dyslexia.
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Expanding Expression Tool Kit
This multi-sensory mnemonic strategy facilitates language organization. The kit targets elementary school students, though it can also be used with older students to help with vocabulary, writing, and organization.
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The Lexia-Herman Method
Comprised of three programs, this method encourages improved reading comprehension by targeting basic phonemic awareness through a mix of blending, segmenting, and sound exercises.
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The Lindamood-Bell (LiPS) Program
This program encourages phonemic awareness by helping users understand how mouth movements correspond to spoken sounds. Children can then apply this understanding to their speech, spelling, and reading and see improvements.
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Literacy Lab
This research-based reading program starts with the user distinguishing letters and letter sounds and ending with the user reading full sentences and stories. In the end, the user can comprehend and analyze what he or she just read.
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The Family Fun with Fluency Kit
Produced by the Neuhaus Education Center, this manual contains a set of passages marked at the hundredth word. A child can read the passage to the hundredth word while a parent times how long he takes and tracks his progress over time.
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The RAVE-O Curriculum
This curriculum is designed to improve reading fluency and comprehension of 2nd - 5th graders. Through word play activities, the RAVE-O systematically walks students through carefully selected core words at the phonemic, orthographic, semantic, syntactic, and morphological levels.
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Read Naturally
This program aims to improve reading proficiency through teacher modeling, repetitive reading, and student progress monitoring. It provides students with practice reading and writing problems that help the practitioner gauge progress and set reading fluency goals.
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Wilson Fluency/Basic
This program explicitly teaches fluency skills and reading practice. It aims to help readers apply their knowledge to connected text, and it complements any reading program that directly teaches the structure of English words.
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Wilson Reading System
This language-based program teaches the fundamentals of vocabulary and language by giving its users the tools to understand the English language coding system. It utilizes the Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory approach to assist readers.
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To learn more about the Orton-Gillingham approach, visit Special Education Advisor's Orton-Gillingham: Who, Where and Why? page.
