Finding the right tutoring program for a child with dyslexia can be a challenging task, but it’s crucial for their academic success and confidence.
Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects reading, spelling, and writing, making tailored support essential.
This article will guide you through various effective dyslexia tutoring programs that have helped many students thrive. Whether you’re looking for online options or in-person support, understanding the available resources can make a significant difference in your child’s learning journey.
1) Barton Reading & Spelling System
The Barton Reading & Spelling System is designed to help individuals with dyslexia or other learning disabilities.
It’s a one-on-one tutoring method that focuses on improving reading, spelling, and writing skills.
This program offers ten levels, each designed to build on the skills learned in the previous level.
You can expect each level to cost between $300 and $350.
You can find helpful tools and resources included within each level.
This makes it easier to teach and reinforce lessons.
The system is widely used in schools, tutoring centers, and even at home.
Parents, teachers, and tutors can all use it effectively.
In places like Alaska, schools are implementing the Barton System through multi-year grants to identify and assist students with dyslexia.
This program uses thorough assessments to track progress over time.
Tutoring sessions should last about an hour and should occur more than twice a week for best results.
This ensures consistent practice and progress.
Free unlimited support is available for anyone using the Barton System.
If you need help, you can call or email their support team.
People often choose the Barton System after comparing it to other options.
It’s known for being effective but may seem expensive or repetitive.
Learn more about how the Barton Reading & Spelling System is making a difference or about the Barton System levels online.
2) Wilson Reading System
The Wilson Reading System (WRS) is a key program for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.
This program uses structured literacy methods based on the Orton-Gillingham principles.
These principles are proven to help students struggling with phonological coding.
WRS serves students from second grade through adulthood.
It’s most widely used with upper elementary, middle, and high school students.
The program is also effective for teaching adults with language-based learning disabilities.
This intervention program is designed to be intensive.
It helps students build foundational language skills needed for academic success.
Lessons are multisensory, involving visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning methods.
Educators can become certified in the Wilson Reading System.
Certification ensures instructors can effectively teach the program.
There are introductory courses available to help educators get started.
The Wilson Reading System has shown positive results in helping students improve their reading skills.
By using a consistent and systematic approach, it helps bridge the gap for struggling readers.
To learn more, you can visit the Wilson Reading System page.
3) Orton-Gillingham Approach
The Orton-Gillingham Approach is designed to help students with dyslexia.
It focuses on the connections between letters and sounds.
This method was the first to use a systematic, explicit way to teach reading skills.
The approach is multisensory.
This means students use sight, hearing, touch, and movement to learn.
By engaging different senses, the lessons become more effective.
Students are taught to see, say, hear, and write letters and words.
This helps them master decoding and encoding.
Decoding is breaking down words into sounds.
Encoding is the opposite, turning sounds into words.
The Orton-Gillingham Approach is highly structured.
Every step builds on the previous one.
This helps struggling readers make steady progress.
The lessons are also personalized.
Teachers adjust based on each student’s needs.
This method is backed by research.
Studies show it works well for students with dyslexia.
It helps them improve reading, spelling, and writing.
Many reading programs now include ideas from Orton-Gillingham.
To start learning with this approach, you can find a trained tutor.
The Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators offers a list of certified tutors.
You can also get one-on-one tutoring from centers like the Wishes of Literacy Orton-Gillingham Tutoring Center.
Teachers using this method are well-trained.
They know how to tailor lessons to fit each student’s needs.
This ensures each child gets the support they need.
For parents, this approach offers hope.
It provides a proven way to help children improve their reading skills.
Through consistent practice, students can make significant progress.
4) Nessy Reading and Spelling
Nessy Reading and Spelling is a popular program developed at the Bristol Dyslexia Centre.
It has been around since 1999 and has helped hundreds of thousands of children worldwide.
Nessy is designed for kids aged 6-11 but can also be useful for older students.
This dyslexia tutoring program focuses on structured literacy.
The lessons include activities and games to make learning fun and engaging for children.
Students practice reading and spelling skills through various exercises that are tailored to their needs.
Nessy isn’t just for children with dyslexia.
The program can benefit all students by providing structured, evidence-based lessons.
It aligns with the Science of Reading, ensuring that your child follows a proven method.
Pricing for Nessy starts at $13.50 per month.
Parents often find this affordable given the extensive resources it provides.
The program includes over 1,000 free worksheets, offering plenty of material for practice at home.
Nessy Reading and Spelling is highly regarded by educators and parents alike.
The program has won awards, including the Educational Resources Award.
It is known for its effectiveness in helping children develop strong literacy skills.
One standout feature is the way Nessy makes learning enjoyable.
Kids interact with colorful characters and engaging activities, which keeps them motivated.
This approach is particularly helpful for children who might otherwise struggle with traditional methods.
For more information, visit the Nessy Reading and Spelling website.
5) Slingerland Approach
The Slingerland Approach is designed to help students with dyslexia and other language-based learning difficulties.
It adapts the 1-on-1 Orton-Gillingham method to a whole-classroom setting.
This approach is multi-sensory.
It engages students through auditory, visual, and kinesthetic-tactile methods.
These techniques help students improve their phonological awareness, decoding, and spelling skills.
The Slingerland Approach includes structured and sequential lessons, which are crucial for students with dyslexia.
The lessons build on what students already know and introduce new concepts gradually.
Teachers trained in the Slingerland Approach use direct and explicit instruction, making it easier for students to follow along.
This method is also effective for English Language Learners (ELLs) and others who struggle with reading and writing.
You can find Slingerland-trained tutors and resources through the Slingerland Literacy Institute.
The institute provides training to educators, tutors, and parents, ensuring they can implement the approach effectively.
At Stellar Academy, the Slingerland Approach is used exclusively for language arts.
This has proven effective in classrooms, particularly for dyslexic students.
Using the Slingerland Approach can boost students’ confidence and academic performance.
It can also foster a positive attitude toward learning as students experience success through the method’s structured support.
The Slingerland Approach offers a comprehensive solution for literacy education.
It is an internationally recognized method that has benefited many students with dyslexia and other learning challenges.
6) Lexercise
Lexercise is an online platform that specializes in dyslexia treatment and tutoring.
It uses the Orton-Gillingham approach, known for its effectiveness in addressing dyslexia.
Lessons are personalized to fit your child’s needs.
With Lexercise, your child can engage in customized, one-on-one therapy sessions.
These sessions are live and interactive, providing direct support from a certified dyslexia therapist.
In addition to therapy sessions, Lexercise offers various educational games.
These games make learning fun and are designed to reinforce reading skills.
The platform also provides a parent dashboard, offering insights and resources to support your child’s progress.
Lexercise is available at a cost of $495 every four weeks.
This fee covers therapy sessions, games, and access to other resources.
Some therapists may have different pricing, so it’s a good idea to check.
Lexercise is comprehensive, supporting children with not just dyslexia but also other learning disabilities like dysgraphia.
It’s designed to empower and educate families, helping your child succeed in reading and literacy.
For more details on Lexercise, you can visit their homepage.
There you’ll find more information about their services and how they can help your child.
7) Dyslexia Training Institute
The Dyslexia Training Institute was founded in 2008.
It offers online courses and certifications focused on dyslexia.
You can take courses that explain what dyslexia is and how to help those with dyslexia.
The program uses the Orton-Gillingham approach, known for its effectiveness.
You will take a series of five three-week courses.
Each course covers different aspects of dyslexia and teaching methods.
In addition to courses, you will participate in four webinars.
These webinars provide more detailed information and Q&A sessions.
A key part of the program is the practicum.
You will work with a mentor for 6-10 hours to get hands-on experience.
If your meetings with the mentor go over 10 hours, there might be an extra fee.
This practicum is essential for certification.
If you’re interested in getting certified, you can find more information on their Dyslexia Certificate Program.
The program runs through specific dates, so it’s important to check the schedule.
For teachers and other educational professionals, the courses include how to navigate Special Education Law.
This helps you understand the educational system better.
The Dyslexia Training Institute aims to provide quality education and training to those who want to help individuals with dyslexia.
It focuses on evidence-based research to ensure that the training is effective and reliable.
Understanding Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects reading skills.
People with dyslexia can face various challenges but can succeed with the right support.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a learning disability that impacts the ability to read, spell, write, and speak.
It’s not linked to intelligence; instead, it’s about how the brain processes language.
People with dyslexia often struggle with phonological processing, which is the ability to understand and manipulate the sounds in words.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Common symptoms include difficulty reading, writing, and spelling.
Young children might struggle to recognize letters and sounds.
As they get older, they may read slowly or make frequent mistakes.
Diagnosis typically involves a series of assessments by specialists, including reading tests and psychological evaluations.
Challenges Faced by Individuals with Dyslexia
People with dyslexia often find academic tasks more challenging.
They may take longer to read and write.
They can struggle with organizing their thoughts and expressing ideas clearly.
Everyday tasks, like following written instructions, might also be difficult.
However, with proper tutoring and tools, many find effective ways to manage these challenges.
How Tutoring Programs Help
Tutoring programs offer personalized learning methods and use multisensory techniques to address unique challenges faced by students with dyslexia.
They also track progress to ensure that teaching strategies remain effective and adaptable.
Personalized Learning Approaches
Every student has different strengths and challenges, especially those with dyslexia.
Personalized learning approaches focus on the individual needs of your child.
Tutors create customized lesson plans based on assessments and observations of your child’s abilities.
This tailored approach ensures that the material is presented at the proper pace.
For instance, Braintrust reading specialists are trained to identify strengths and challenges.
They adapt their teaching methods to match your child’s learning style, making education more engaging and effective.
Personalization also includes setting specific goals, as highlighted in Understood’s guide.
These goals help in tracking progress and ensuring that both the tutor and your child stay focused.
Multisensory Techniques
Using multiple senses in learning can significantly help dyslexic students.
Multisensory techniques involve visual, auditory, and tactile elements that help reinforce learning.
For example, programs like Lexercise’s use Orton-Gillingham methods, which are designed for structured literacy therapy.
These methods may include activities where students trace letters in sand while saying the sounds out loud.
The combination of seeing, hearing, and touching aids in better retention of information.
Research-backed techniques, as praised by Verywell Family, ensure that your child is engaging more parts of their brain, making learning less frustrating and more effective.
Progress Tracking and Adaptability
For tutoring to be effective, it’s crucial to track the child’s progress regularly.
Progress tracking involves frequent updates from the tutor about your child’s achievements and areas needing more attention.
This allows for adjustments in the teaching strategy when necessary.
The tutor and you can share these updates with the school, ensuring a cohesive approach to your child’s education as advised by Understood.
Adaptability is key to successful tutoring.
Tutors continuously assess what works and what doesn’t, modifying their strategies to keep up with your child’s evolving needs.
By doing so, they ensure that your child stays on the right path to overcoming the hurdles associated with dyslexia.
Choosing the Right Dyslexia Tutor
Choosing a dyslexia tutor for your child involves considering their qualifications, experience, and the learning environment they provide.
Prioritizing these aspects ensures you find a tutor who can effectively support your child’s learning needs.
Qualifications and Training
A tutor’s qualifications greatly influence their ability to teach a child with dyslexia.
Look for tutors with specialized training, such as certification from organizations like the International Dyslexia Association.
These credentials indicate a strong foundation in dyslexia-specific teaching methods.
Additionally, familiarity with structured literacy programs, such as Orton-Gillingham or Wilson Reading System, is crucial.
These programs are evidence-based and designed specifically for dyslexia.
Important certifications to look for include:
- Certified Academic Language Practitioner (CALP)
- Dyslexia Specialist Certification
- Orton-Gillingham Certification
Additionally, it’s beneficial if tutors have a background in special education or related fields.
This extra expertise helps them address a range of learning challenges.
Experience with Dyslexia
Experience is key when selecting a dyslexia tutor.
Look for someone who has several years of experience working specifically with dyslexic students.
This expertise ensures the tutor is familiar with common challenges and effective strategies to overcome them.
Real-world experience often translates to a better understanding of how to tailor lessons to individual learning styles.
Questions to ask potential tutors include:
- How many years have you been tutoring students with dyslexia?
- Can you provide references from previous clients?
- What specific strategies do you use to help dyslexic students?
Tutors who can provide success stories and improvements from past students will help you feel more confident in their abilities.
Tutoring Environment
The environment in which tutoring takes place can significantly impact your child’s learning.
A quiet, distraction-free setting is essential for children with dyslexia.
Whether sessions are in-person or online, ensure that the environment supports focused learning.
For online tutoring, check that the platform used is engaging and interactive.
Key considerations for the tutoring environment:
- Is the space quiet and free from distractions?
- Are sessions conducted in a structured and organized manner?
- For online tutoring, is the technology reliable and user-friendly?
Personalized and engaging environments help students remain attentive and motivated, leading to more productive tutoring sessions.