The 5 best dyslexia reading programs

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that primarily affects a person’s writing and reading skills. The main issue that people with dyslexia deal with is information processing.

In this article, you’ll learn about the best dyslexia reading programs for young and older students. But first, let’s explore how Dyslexia impacts reading and learning.

Understanding dyslexia and how it affects reading

Dyslexia is not merely a result of laziness or a lack of intelligence. It’s a genuine condition that affects how the brain processes language. Individuals with dyslexia often struggle with reading, but challenges can also arise in writing, spelling, and even math. Since every person with dyslexia is unique, it’s crucial to find the right reading instruction tailored to each individual.

What science tells us about dyslexia

Research in public school settings and beyond has given us insights into dyslexia. It’s related to the structure and function of the brain, particularly the regions involved in language-based tasks. Some areas of the brain might not be as active as they should be, which can make it challenging for those with dyslexia to process sounds and letters.

Additionally, some individuals with dyslexia might struggle with the semantics of words, making it difficult for them to see letters and words clearly. This lack of automaticity can hinder their ability to read fluently.

How dyslexia changes the way people read

Dyslexia often makes it challenging for individuals to associate sounds with letters, a process known as phonics. This can lead to slow reading or word confusion. Moreover, they might find it hard to discern and manipulate sounds in words, affecting their reading level and spelling abilities.

However, it’s vital to note that dyslexia doesn’t equate to a lack of intelligence. Many with dyslexia possess unique creative abilities and thought processes. With the right tools and interventions for dyslexia, they can excel in reading.

What are dyslexia reading programs?

Dyslexia programs are special teaching techniques to help struggling readers overcome the challenges of a learning disability.

According to researcher Dr. Sally Shaywitz, effective dyslexia programs must include components such as explicit instructions, phonemic awareness, reading comprehension strategies, sight words, spelling, phonological awareness, and more.

Orton Gillingham approach

One proven successful research-based method is the Orton Gillingham approach. While not all programs follow this method, most use some of its techniques.

The Orton Gillingham approach is personalized, as it is essential to understand the learner’s needs to help them improve. It has a multisensory approach, using visual, auditory, and kinesthetic (touch) senses to increase memory storage.

The Orton-Gillingham method is structured, systematic, sequential, and cumulative. This means dyslexic students return to the foundation of their English language learning. They start writing phonemes, which are isolated sounds, before forming syllables and words. The program also uses phonics to learn vowel sounds before moving to more complex subjects.

Other elements of the language, such as vowels, consonants, and diphthongs, are taught sequentially. Only then do students move on to advanced aspects, including roots, syllable types, suffixes, and prefixes.

Lastly, this program is cognitive and flexible. Students learn the rules and the structure of language usage, and when something is not understood, it’s taught all over again from the beginning.

The Orton-Gillingham method is an excellent homeschooling method for students with dyslexia, as it is personal and direct. The bond between teacher and student needs to be based on encouragement and positive reinforcement to be effective.

The best dyslexia reading programs

Dyslexia reading programs are specially designed programs that aim to help people with accurate and fluent word reading. These programs are not the only ones available. Other reliable programs and resources can be found through the International Dyslexia Association.

Barton Reading & Spelling system

Barton Reading & Spelling System is based on the Orton Gillingham program but is not as rigidly structured. People with no learning training can use it.

It provides teaching parents with direct instructions to impart the program’s reading lessons. With this multisensorial program, children will use all their senses to learn the connections between sounds and words.

Lindamood-Bell

Lindamood-Bell is a program used at many institutions and for homeschooling children with dyslexia. It’s focused on aiding children with phonemic awareness. On occasion, teaching reading techniques to children is not an easy task for the parent. For that reason, Lindamood-Bell offers online training for parents through its website and private lessons for children in its institute.

Wilson Reading System

Wilson Reading System is used in many private schools. This program is not as structured and scripted as other programs based on the Orton Gillingham method.

This program provides an intensive approach. It was designed for elementary and high school students levels 2 to 12, as well as adults. It provides the necessary tools to understand language coding systems. This will enhance reading comprehension and memory.

Equipped for Reading Success

Equipped for Reading Success is a step-by-step program designed to overcome reading difficulties. With over 20 different strategies, grade-level students will be able to improve word-retrieving skills and memory. It includes phonemic awareness and word recognition strategies prepared in easy-to-teach lessons.

All About Reading

With All About Reading, parents will have everything they need to provide their children with dyslexia a special education. This program also includes All About Spelling. Both programs combined will help children overcome their reading difficulties.

The program includes multisensory instructions and scripted lessons. It covers vocabulary, phonics, and reading comprehension.

Benefits of using assistive technology

Assistive technology, such as text-to-speech software and speech recognition tools, can be transformative for those with dyslexia. These reading tools for dyslexia can simplify the reading and writing processes.

For instance, text-to-speech software converts written content into audible words, aiding comprehension and fluency. On the other hand, speech recognition tools allow users to vocalize their thoughts, which are then transcribed, making writing more accessible.

When exploring reading programs for schools, especially for dyslexic students, it’s beneficial to opt for those incorporating such technologies.

The importance of good teachers

Good teachers are super important in reading programs for dyslexia. These teachers know a lot about dyslexia and how it affects reading. They have many ways to help students with dyslexia learn better.

These teachers first find out what each student is good at and where they need help. Then, they make a special plan for each student. This plan helps the student get better in areas they find hard and uses their strengths to help them learn. Teachers also keep an eye on how the student is doing to make sure the plan is working.

Parents make a big difference

Parents are a big part of reading programs for dyslexia too. When parents help and support their kids, the kids do better in school.

Parents can help their kids with reading at home. Reading programs can show parents fun ways to practice reading, like reading stories together or talking about books. Parents can also play word games with their kids.

It’s also important for teachers and parents to work together. When they do, they can make sure the child gets the help they need, both in school and at home. This team effort makes a big difference for the child’s learning.

Choosing the best reading programs for dyslexia

Reading is super important. It helps us learn and grow. For people with dyslexia, reading can be hard, but there are special programs to help them. But how do you pick the best one?

1. How the program teaches phonics and decoding

A good reading program for dyslexia will teach phonics in a clear and fun way. It will help students understand how letters and sounds work together. The program should also let students practice a lot and check how they’re doing.

When looking at a program, ask:

• Does it use methods that have been proven to work?
• Does it teach phonics in a step-by-step way?
• Does it use different ways to teach, like using sounds, pictures, and touch?
• Does it check how students are doing and help them when they’re stuck?

2. How the program helps with understanding and reading smoothly

Understanding what you read and reading smoothly are just as important as phonics. A good program will teach students how to understand stories and information. It will also help them read faster and more smoothly.

When looking at a program, ask:

• Does it teach students how to understand what they read?
• Does it use different kinds of stories and books?
• Does it help students learn new words and what they mean?
• Does it have fun activities to help students read more smoothly?

Finding the right help

Every person with dyslexia is unique. It’s important to find a reading program that fits them. With the right program and teachers who care, they can become amazing readers. There are many tools, like reading apps for dyslexia and books for kids with dyslexia, that can help.

Some of the most successful reading programs, like the “take flight reading program,” have helped many students. There’s also a list of evidence-based reading programs and online dyslexia programs that can be useful. Remember, with the right support, everyone can shine in their reading journey.

Speechify – assistive technology for people with dyslexia

Reading programs for students with dyslexia have been, for decades, the go-to method to improve reading skills. Advances in technology, however, have provided new tools for dyslexic learners.

Text to speech technology has proven to be helpful for students with dyslexia. Listening to audiobooks, for example, aids in closing the gap between decoding words and assigning them meaning. Speechify’s text to speech platform utilizes the same concept but can easily turn any digital or physical text into spoken word, making reading easier for those with dyslexia.

The platform also eliminates the need to use the written word to comprehend complex instructions and prepare for exams.

This game-changing technology is available from multiple devices, providing children with a reliable source of information. Try Speechify for free today and enjoy the benefits of one of the best TTS platforms available.

FAQ

What reading program is best for dyslexia?

The best reading program for dyslexia must be explicit, multisensory, and intensive. The best program available is Orton-Gillingham.

What reading programs are like Orton-Gillingham?

The Wilson Reading System and the Barton Reading program are similar to Orton-Gillingham.

What is the difference between Wilson and Orton-Gillingham?

The difference between the programs is that they have different approaches. The Orton-Gillingham method focuses on the student’s needs and adapts around them. The Wilson program, on the other hand, uses a systematic approach that focuses on teaching students to go from the beginning to reading mastery.

What reading program is like Wilson Reading?

Barton Reading program has a similar teaching approach as Wilson Reading.

What is the most effective way to help a dyslexic person read?

For small children, multisensory methods help them build a good knowledge foundation. Understanding the students’ needs and shaping the reading program around them is also essential. Occasionally, it will be necessary to return to the beginning to ensure a concept is completely understood.