3 Step Reading Program
Trains the foundations, reading, fluency and comprehension skills – in the right order.
Most reading support jumps straight to phonics practice or more reading time. The 3 Step Reading Program works differently: it builds the underlying cognitive and language skills first, then layers reading-specific skills on top, then builds fluency through guided reading.
Think of it like building a house. Phonics instruction is part of the walls – but walls need a foundation underneath them. Without the cognitive skills that support learning – memory, attention, processing, sequencing – phonics instruction has less to build on, no matter how good the instruction itself is.
How the 3 Step Reading Program works
FOUNDATION
Build the foundations of reading – memory, attention, processing and sequencing
WALLS
Explore word meanings, build sentences and paragraphs, work on punctuation and much more
ROOF
Build reading fluency with guided reading using real books
What this program isn’t
The 3 Step Reading Program isn’t a phonics program. There are already many good phonics programs available, at school and privately, and we don’t try to replace them.
What it does is work on the skills underneath phonics, and the skills that come after it – so that phonics instruction (wherever your child gets it) actually has something solid to build on.
Who this tends to suit best
This program is most often a good fit for children who are already receiving phonics support, whether at school or privately, but aren’t making the progress you’d expect. That pattern can point to a gap underneath phonics instruction itself – in memory, attention, processing, or language – rather than a need for more phonics practice.
What’s included
The 3 Step Reading Program moves through three of our existing programs in sequence. Book a free consult to discuss which steps and pacing are right for you.
1. Fast ForWord Foundations/Elements
Builds reading foundations
- Memory
- Attention
- Auditory processing
- Sequencing
- Phonemic awareness
- Oral language
2. Fast ForWord Reading
Builds reading proficiency
- Phonemic awareness
- Decoding
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Punctuation
- Comprehension
- Spelling
3. ClearFluency
Builds reading automaticity
- Accuracy
- Fluency
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
Fun exercises that adapt to you
See some of the exercises that build the underlying skills supporting reading and writing development.
Backed by research, step by step
Each step is built on research-backed programs – Fast ForWord’s cognitive and language training, and ClearFluency’s guided oral reading technology.
A study at Stanford University found increased, more typical brain activity in regions associated with reading and language after children with dyslexia used Fast ForWord, alongside improvements on tests of reading and oral language.
A randomised study across WA primary schools found students made significantly greater gains in literacy and language using Fast ForWord than a comparison group on the standard curriculum alone.
An experimental study using a nationally-normed fluency measure found students using ClearFluency (years 2-5) gained 23% more in reading fluency than a grade-matched comparison group, and 43% more than national norms, over 17 weeks.
Guided oral reading – reading aloud with real-time feedback – is identified by the U.S. National Reading Panel as an evidence-based way to build reading fluency. ClearFluency delivers this through speech-recognition technology rather than requiring a person to listen to every read-aloud session.
Not ready to book a call?
Get the 3 Step Reading Program info pack — everything you need to know, in one easy package. Perfect for sharing with your family over a cuppa.
Pricing
Choose from monthly or yearly courses, which include fortnightly support consultations.
Monthly
$387
per month^
min. 3 months
Includes
- 24/7 access for 3 months (one program at a time)
- 24/7 access to training resources on our website
- 30 minutes per day
- Daily progress scores and weekly training summary report
- Email support as you need it
- Fortnightly coaching call with a program specialist
Annually (save 26%!)
$287
per month^
12 month course
Includes
- 24/7 access for 12 months (one program at a time)
- 24/7 access to training resources on our website
- 30 minutes per day
- Daily progress scores and weekly training summary report
- Email support as you need it
- Fortnightly coaching call with a program specialist
- Training summary report at the completion of training
Payment plans incur a once-off $9.90 setup fee + 3.25% of each payment + GST.
FAQs
Is this a miracle cure?
No program is a miracle cure and any program claiming this is most likely not based in research. Reading difficulties can be complex and each child has different strengths and weaknesses. However, research shows that the brain is changeable – it can reorganise itself with the right kind of practise. The programs we use have been shown to change the way the brain is organised for reading. This is not a replacement for high quality reading instruction, which every student should be receiving at school.
What age is the 3 Step Reading Program suitable for?
This program is generally suitable for students in Prep (Pre-Primary / Reception) and above (yes, adults love these programs too). Suitability will depend on the individual student’s skill level and our team can provide a demonstration. If you are unsure about yourself or your child’s suitability for the program please contact us.
Will this program also improve cognitive skills?
We use a combination of 9 programs to train the cognitive skills needed for classroom learning, the cognitive foundations for reading, as well as language processing and reading skills. See above for a demo video.
Is there a guarantee?
As health and education professionals, we adhere by relevant advertising standards which state we can’t guarantee a certain result (every brain is different!) What we do guarantee is to provide you with awesome, research-backed exercises and professional support to help you progress through the programs. We’re committed to helping you improve your skills and are always here to help throughout your program.
Can I pause my subscription?
Your subscription will begin on your first day of training and cannot be paused, but it’s ok to take up to a week’s break for every 3 months you’re on the program – just aim for a minimum of 3 sessions per week for best results.
When does the course begin and end?
Your course will begin on your first training day and end 3, 6 or 12 months later depending on the package you choose. Sonic Learning’s team will monitor and adjust your program during this time as needed. You will have unlimited access to one program at a time, and do not need to worry about running out of exercises to do.
How long does it take to complete all the programs?
As every individual is different, the time spent training on one program before moving to the next also varies from student to student. The timings in this pack are a guide. Generally, in a 12 month period a student will be able to participate in all 3 steps of the program to some extent.
Can I use my NDIS funding?
Take a look at our therapy program for NDIS participants. We use video consultations with health professionals and engaging online activities to help you reach your goals.
What technology do I need?
DEVICE
- We recommend a computer (Windows or Mac) running Chrome browser for the best experience.
- An iPad 5 or above can be used – just bear in mind that when you reach step 3 (ClearFluency reading assistant), the text will be smaller and you won’t be able to use a comfortable headset.
HEADSET
For Fast ForWord (steps 1 and 2), you can use any good quality stereo headphones. We recommend a pair that cover the whole ear, like these stereo headphones from Altronics). Parents monitoring their children should use a headphone double adaptor so they can also hear the sound (see an example here).
Step 3 (ClearFluency) needs an approved headset for the voice recognition to work properly. Please only use an approved headset listed below.
- For computers: Logitech H390 or Microsoft Lifechat LX-3000 headset
- For iPads: Apple EarPods (wired) with 3.5mm plug or lightning connector (check your iPad ports)
Not sure where to start?
A free phone consultation with one of our health professionals can help you understand which steps are right for your child.