Reading Programs
Here are a few examples of programs that incorporate the essential features noted in the research for effective reading programs (See Selecting a Reading Program for more about these features). This list is far from conclusive – there are many other programs that also have these elements and are effective reading programs! Remember, find the program that fits your child best.
- Orton-Gillingham – According to their website, “Orton-Gillingham is a highly structured approach that breaks reading and spelling down into smaller skills involving letters and sounds, and then building on these skills over time. It also was the first approach to use multi-sensory teaching strategies to teach reading, which is considered extremely effective for teaching students with dyslexia. This means that educators use sight, hearing, touch, and movement to help students connect and learn the concepts being taught.”
Many other reading programs are based on the principles of the Orton-Gillingham Approach. - Wilson Reading System – According to their website, “As a structured literacy program based on phonological-coding research and Orton-Gillingham principles, WRS directly and systematically teaches the structure of the English language. Through the program, students learn fluent decoding and encoding skills to the level of mastery.”
- Lindamood Bell – Structured literacy programs that include Seeing Stars, Visualizing and Verbalizing, Talkies and LiPS, based on Orton-Gillingham principles.
- Read Naturally – Research-based program that includes teacher modeling (child reads along with recording of a fluent reader), repeated reading (child reads the same texts repeatedly until fluent), and progress monitoring (child sees graphs of their progress with reading comprehension and fluency).
- Lexia – Evidence-based program in which children “work independently at their own pace through individualized learning paths to develop fundamental reading skills in a structured, sequential manner.”
- Accessible Literacy Learning (ALL) – Evidence-based program to “designed to meet the needs of individuals who require AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), as well as individuals with complex communication and physical access challenges. ” ALL allows children to demonstrate their reading skills without using speech.
Helper Programs and Apps
Helper programs are designed to provide extra practice for reading programs. Helper programs supplement, not replace, a reading program.
Nessy – Variety of videos, games, worksheets and card games.
Wordshark – Variety of games available online.
See.Touch.Learn – Variety of lessons for language and reading. By Brain Parade, available in the Apple App Store.
Phonics Genius – App for learning phonics. Available in the Apple App Store.
ABC Kids – Tracing & Phonics. Available in the Apple App Store.
Reading Machine – Available in the Apple App Store.
Root Words – Dictionary app to help learn English root words. Available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
1000 Sight Word Superhero – Game to learn sight words. Available in the Apple App Store.
More Information about Teaching Pre-Verbal Children to Read
Reliable resources for detailed information about teaching reading to children who are pre-verbal and/or using AAC (augmentative and alternative communication).
Penn State Literacy Instruction – Information and videos about how to teach children with complex communication needs, including apraxia, autism, cerebral palsy and Down Syndrome, how to read.
Rett University – Variety of resources including online courses and consultations.
Additional Information
Reliable resources for additional information about reading and reading disorders.
- National Reading Panel – A variety of publications produced by the National Reading Panel, which was convened by Congress in 1997 and was concluded in 2000.
- International Dyslexia Association – Variety of resources about dyslexia, including resources and professionals by area.
- ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) Practice Portal on Written Language Disorders – Summary of research and information for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) about reading disorders.
- University of Michigan Dyslexia Help – Variety of online dyslexia resources, including a blog, for parents and professionals.
- The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity – Information for children and adults with dyslexia, as well as parents and educators.