The Wilson Reading System (WRS) is a highly structured, multi-sensory reading and writing program designed to improve reading and writing skills in students with language-based learning disabilities. Barbara A. Wilson developed the WRS, a research-based program that provides explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The program suits all age groups, including children, adolescents, and adults. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the Wilson Reading System, including its history, structure, and benefits.
History Of The Wilson Reading System
The Wilson Reading System was developed in the early 1980s by Barbara A. Wilson, a teacher who was working with students with dyslexia. The program was originally known as the Wilson Language Training Program, and it was designed to help students with dyslexia overcome their reading difficulties. Wilson’s program was unique because it used a multi-sensory approach to teaching reading, combining visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning methods.
Over time, the program evolved and was renamed the Wilson Reading System. The WRS is now used in schools and learning centers across the United States and Canada. The program has also been adapted in other countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
Structure Of The Wilson Reading System
The Wilson Reading System is a highly structured program designed to be taught in a specific sequence. The program is divided into 12 steps, each building on the previous one. Each step includes various instructional activities, including phonemic awareness exercises, phonics instruction, decoding practice, vocabulary building, and comprehension activities. The program is designed to be taught in small groups or one-on-one instruction.
The program includes various materials, including a teacher’s manual, student workbooks, and reading passages. The teacher’s manual provides detailed instructions for each lesson, including what to teach, how, and what materials to use. The student workbooks include exercises and activities that reinforce the skills taught in each lesson. The reading passages are carefully chosen to match the student’s reading level and reinforce the skills taught in each lesson.
Benefits Of The Wilson Reading System
The Wilson Reading System improves reading and writing skills in students with language-based learning disabilities. Research studies have shown that the program can improve phonemic awareness, phonics skills, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension in students of all ages. The program has also been effective in improving spelling and writing skills.
One of the key benefits of the Wilson Reading System is that it is a highly structured program that provides explicit instruction in reading and writing skills. This is particularly important for students with language-based learning disabilities, who often struggle with these skills. The program is designed to be taught in a specific sequence, with each lesson building on the skills taught in the previous lesson. This approach provides students with a clear understanding of what they are learning and how it relates to the program.
Another benefit of the Wilson Reading System is its multi-sensory approach to teaching reading and writing skills. This approach engages multiple senses, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic, which can be particularly helpful for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. The multi-sensory approach can also be helpful for students who struggle with traditional teaching methods, as it provides an alternative way to learn.
The Wilson Reading System has also improved student confidence and self-esteem. Students who struggle with reading and writing often feel frustrated and discouraged. The WRS provides a structured and supportive learning environment to help students feel more confident in their abilities. The program also includes a variety of positive reinforcement strategies and encourages students to celebrate their progress, which can help to boost their self-esteem.
