My 3rd grader has sever visual and auditory memory and processing speed weaknesses. I have asked the school to remediate his memory and processing speed because it has a negative effect on his spelling and remembering math functions and facts. The have offered the Wilson Reading Program. My concern with this is that he reads above his ability level already (decoding, fluency and comprehension). Why would a program that is for reading remediation be appropriate for spelling remediation when the person reads quite well? He is unable to transfer his decoding skils for encoding because of his memory and processing weaknesses. How is the Wilson Program appropriate here? Everything I read on it says it works to improve spelling skills and awareness through phonics based instruction to improve reading…but he reads very well! If someone could help me understand I’d appreciate it. Thanks, Cyndi
Re: Wilson for spelling?
Cyndi,
If you go to the subject on this message board titled “Orton-Gillangham for dyslexia” there’s alot of information from parents about some of the learning programs and how they work for your childs disability.
I understand you confusion, but it comes down to a part of the brain that has a weakness,
I think you’ll understand better when you read some of their stories and some of the programs that worked for them.
Re: Wilson for spelling?
I’m sorry, I may have misguided you. Although there is some info there you might be able to use, most of it deals with dyslexia, but I wanted to get you the idea that although most programs are for reading its really in how they work the brain that can help in math,reading, or spelling. Let me get my info together and I’ll get back to you.
Re: Wilson for spelling?
Cyndi:
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Although I really like the Wilson Reading System, I think it would move too slowly for your son’s needs. What I would suggest is SEEING STARS, a Lindamood-Bell program specifically used to work on symbol imagery in a multisensory way. Both my students and I felt that it was very successful for them last year.
Marilyn
I’d agree with you. I wouldn’t see Wilson as appropriate. I’d tell you Wilson is the latest rage in reading instruction and that which is the latest rage in one thing often gets recommended for others. I’d also tell you that getting certified in Wilson is not all that hard and so there are increasing numbers of people in schools out there certified in Wilson. Schools tend to recommend what they have on hand.
I’d also tell you gently and kindly I’ve never found a successful remediation for weak spellers but time. Over time the spelling embeds. Especially with strong readers as your son is, his reading will eventually teach him to spell. In the meantime, help him spell and let him use a spellchecker whenever possible.
Good luck.