At Beyond Speech Therapy Specialists, we are committed to providing comprehensive and effective therapy solutions for your child no matter what challenges they are facing. One of the powerful tools we use as part of our speech-language therapy is the Wilson Reading System.
We want to explore the vital role of the Wilson Reading System in speech language therapy and give you a comprehensive look at how this evidence-based program can make a significant difference in your child’s journey to overcoming reading and language difficulties.
The Wilson Reading System: A Brief Overview
The Wilson Reading System is a structured literacy program developed to address reading and spelling challenges effectively.
It is particularly helpful for children who struggle with reading due to language-based learning disabilities like dyslexia.
The system is named after its founder, Barbara Wilson, and is based on the Orton-Gillingham approach, a well-established and research-backed method for teaching reading and language skills.
The Role of Wilson Reading in Speech Language Therapy
1. Targeted Phonemic Awareness
One of the core aspects of the Wilson Reading System is its emphasis on phonemic awareness.
For children with speech and language challenges, phonemic awareness—the ability to identify and manipulate individual sounds in words—can be a very real challenge.
By integrating Wilson Reading into speech language therapy, we can reinforce phonemic awareness skills, helping children grasp these essential building blocks of language.
2. Multisensory Approach
The Wilson Reading System employs a multisensory approach, which aligns perfectly with our holistic therapy philosophy at Beyond Speech Therapy Specialists.
It engages a child’s multiple senses—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—simultaneously to enhance learning and retention.
This multisensory aspect is especially advantageous for children with speech and language difficulties, as it supports diverse learning styles.
3. Individualized Instruction
Every child’s journey with speech language therapy is unique, and the same holds true for their experience with the Wilson Reading System.
We tailor the program to meet the specific needs and abilities of each child. This ensures that they receive individualized instruction that maximizes their progress.
4. Building Confidence
Children facing language and reading challenges often struggle with confidence issues. Which can then start affecting other parts of their learning and development.
The structured and systematic approach of the Wilson Reading System allows our kids to experience success and progress at their own pace.
Their newfound confidence can extend beyond reading skills and positively impact their overall self-esteem!
5. Language Comprehension
Reading comprehension is intrinsically linked to language comprehension.
By incorporating the Wilson Reading System into speech language therapy, we can help children bridge the gap between decoding words and understanding their meaning.
This is a very important step in becoming proficient readers and communicators.
How Wilson Reading Works:
The Wilson Reading System consists of a series of lessons and activities designed to gradually build reading and spelling skills.
These lessons cover various aspects of reading and language, including phonics, word structure, vocabulary development and reading fluency.
Here is a snapshot of how it typically works:
- Assessment
We begin with a comprehensive assessment to determine the child’s current reading and language skills. This assessment guides the development of an individualized instruction plan. - Structured Lessons
The Wilson Reading System provides structured, sequential lessons that start with the basics and gradually progress to more complex skills. These lessons incorporate phonological and phonemic awareness, word structure, and fluency development. - Multisensory Approach
During lessons, children engage in activities that involve visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements. This multisensory approach reinforces learning and accommodates various learning styles. - Progress Monitoring
Regular progress assessments allow us to track a child’s development and adjust the instruction plan as needed. This ensures that the child continues to make strides in their reading and language skills. - Positive Reinforcement
The Wilson Reading System is built on positive reinforcement and rewards to motivate children and make learning fun!
At Beyond Speech, we know that reading and language challenges can significantly impact a child’s overall academic and social development.
By incorporating evidence-based programs, like the Wilson Reading System, into our speech language therapy, we provide children with the tools and support they need to overcome these challenges and thrive.
If you have concerns about your child’s reading or language skills, rest assured that our team is here to provide comprehensive and individualized care, utilizing effective programs like the Wilson Reading System to unlock their full potential.
Ready to talk with a speech language pathologist? Reach out to us!
You can send a message here or call (779) 435-0724. We’re here to help and support you and your child!