What is the Wilson Reading Program?
The Wilson Reading Program is a highly effective and comprehensive approach to teaching reading and spelling to individuals with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Developed by Barbara Wilson, a renowned dyslexia specialist, this program has been helping students of all ages improve their reading skills since its inception in the 1980s. With a strong emphasis on structured, systematic, and explicit instruction, the Wilson Reading Program has become a go-to resource for educators, speech-language pathologists, and parents looking to support struggling readers. In this article, we will explore the key components of the Wilson Reading Program and its impact on students’ reading abilities.
The Wilson Reading Program is based on the Orton-Gillingham approach, which is a multisensory, structured, and explicit method of teaching reading and spelling. This approach is particularly beneficial for students with dyslexia, as it addresses the unique challenges they face in learning to read. The program is designed to be taught in a one-on-one or small-group setting, allowing for personalized instruction and support.
One of the primary goals of the Wilson Reading Program is to help students develop a strong decoding and encoding foundation. This is achieved through a series of lessons that focus on phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Students learn to recognize and manipulate sounds, blend them into words, and read and spell words accurately.
The program is divided into several levels, each building upon the skills learned in the previous level. Here’s an overview of the key components of the Wilson Reading Program:
1. Wilson Fundations: This is the foundational level of the program, designed for students in grades K-3. It focuses on phonological awareness, phonics, and basic spelling skills.
2. Wilson Reading System: This level is for students in grades 4-12 and adults. It builds upon the skills learned in Fundations and includes more complex spelling patterns, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies.
3. Wilson Reading System Plus: This advanced level is for students who have completed the Wilson Reading System and need additional support. It includes a variety of activities and resources to help students refine their reading and spelling skills.
The Wilson Reading Program is characterized by several key features that contribute to its effectiveness:
– Multisensory instruction: The program incorporates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements to help students learn and retain information.
– Explicit instruction: Teachers provide clear, step-by-step guidance to ensure students understand the concepts being taught.
– Structured and systematic approach: The program follows a logical progression of skills, allowing students to build upon their knowledge and improve their reading abilities over time.
– Continuous assessment: Teachers regularly assess students’ progress to identify areas of strength and weakness, and adjust their instruction accordingly.
The Wilson Reading Program has been widely recognized for its effectiveness in helping students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Studies have shown that students who participate in the program experience significant improvements in their reading skills, including decoding, encoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
In conclusion, the Wilson Reading Program is a valuable resource for educators, speech-language pathologists, and parents looking to support struggling readers. By focusing on a structured, systematic, and multisensory approach, the program has helped countless students overcome their reading challenges and achieve success in the classroom and beyond.
