Anyone with dyslexia has probably considered dyslexia reading programs. Which one is for you?
TL;DR
Dyslexia reading programmes often use the Orton-Gillingham approach to teach phonics, which is great for decoding words. However, this isn’t enough if a student’s reading difficulties stem from underlying cognitive issues like problems with attention, memory, or auditory processing.
Since dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves reading difficulties – not an issue of poor education or low intelligence – a targeted dyslexia reading program should be a really effective tool to improve reading skills.
With the right dyslexia reading programs, people with dyslexia can improve their reading skills and achieve their full potential. However, not all dyslexia reading programs are created equal.
Why some dyslexia reading programs fall short
There are a lot of dyslexia reading programs around – and many are based on the Orton-Gillingham approach, which uses a multisensory, structured, and systematic method to improving dyslexia. Most of the reading programs out there are based on this approach.
It’s a tried and true approach that works well for phonics training – Orton-Gillingham is a foundational instruction. It teaches sound-letter correspondences, and how to use those sound-letter correspondences in reading and spelling. It’s really important for kids who need individualised instruction if school-based instruction of phonics isn’t enough for them.
Where the Orton-Gillingham approach can be insufficient is when the issue goes deeper than a lack of knowledge of phonics. When we only focus on how to decode words, sometimes we’re not focusing on the other really important components of reading. So for example, why was the student having so much trouble in the first place learning to decode and spell words? Is it because of an underlying cognitive issue?
If so, it’s important to lock down a strong reading foundation first by training cognitive skills.
What cognitive skills need to be trained?
Essential cognitive skills for reading success
The essential cognitive skills required for reading success include:
- Attention: The ability to focus on reading tasks and ignore distractions, which is crucial for memory formation and understanding text.
- Memory: Especially working memory, which helps hold and manipulate information while reading, aiding comprehension and learning new words.
- Auditory Processing: The skill to accurately receive and interpret sounds, which supports linking letters to sounds and understanding spoken language.
- Sequencing: The ability to understand the order of sounds, words, and sentences, which is important for decoding and constructing meaning.
- Visual-Spatial Memory and Visual Attention: These support recognising letters and words and tracking text on a page.
- Executive Function: Skills like planning, organising, and controlling impulses help manage reading tasks effectively.
Improving these cognitive skills can significantly enhance reading ability, especially if a student has dyslexia. However, not all dyslexia programs target these cognitive skills, so it’s important make sure you select the right program.
Free learning assessment
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Finding the right dyslexia reading programs for you
As mentioned previously, it’s important to find out whether the issue is simply lack of knowledge of phonics, or whether the problem goes deeper. Orton-Gillingham based programs will help with the former, but a more foundational approach is needed for underlying cognitive issues.
That’s why Sonic Learning uses a three-step approach to training the foundational cognitive skills that support reading.
3-Step approach to dyslexia support
We use a structured approach through our 3 Step Reading Program that targets the essential cognitive skills:
- FOUNDATION: Develop core cognitive skills such as memory, attention, processing, and sequencing. These are crucial for learning to read effectively because they help the brain process and retain information needed for decoding and comprehension.
- WALLS: Once the foundation is set, the program helps you explore word meanings, sentence construction, paragraph building, and punctuation. This stage strengthens language skills and understanding of text structure.
- ROOF: Finally, the program builds reading fluency through guided reading with real books, helping to improve speed, accuracy, and comprehension.
To build these skills effectively:
- Use adaptive, engaging exercises that adjust to your current skill level, making sure the tasks are never too hard or too easy.
- Practice regularly, ideally around 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.
- Combine cognitive training with reading practice to reinforce skills.
- Consider programs like Fast ForWord to improve auditory processing, attention, and memory, which are foundational for reading success.
This step-by-step method ensures you build the necessary cognitive skills first, then apply them to reading tasks, leading to stronger, more confident reading abilities.
The 3 Step Reading Program uses the research-backed Fast ForWord suite of online exercises to target these skills through adaptive, engaging exercises to build stronger reading foundations. All you need is a computer or iPad and an internet connection to get started.
Book a professional consult or watch the demo video to find out more.
3 Step Reading Program Info pack
Everything you need to know about the 3 Step Reading Program in one easy package.
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This free telephone consultation can help to answer any questions you have about our services. At Sonic Learning we are all experienced teachers and health professionals so parents tend to find it very beneficial to be able to discuss their concerns and receive guidance from our team.
