The Wilson Reading System(www.WilsonLanguage.com)
Presented by
Marlene C. Rolfe
The Wilson Reading System
Direct, systematic instruction Teaches how to fluently and accurately
decode Interactive and multisensory Teaches students to encode (spell) as
they learn to decode
This program will benefit:
Dyslexic students Students unable to decode accurately ESL students able to speak and
understand English, but not read or write it
Poor spellers Students unsuccessful with other reading
programs
Step 1: Sound Cards Quick Drill (2 - 3 minutes) Teacher points to sound cards in pocket
chart or on magnetic board Student says letter name, keyword, and
sound Do vowels in every lesson.
Example: a - apple - /a/
Step 2: Teach and Review Concepts for Reading (5 minutes) Teacher manipulates cards to practice for
reading (sound cards, syllable cards, suffix cards)
Teacher teaches new or reviews previously learned concepts
Teacher weaves with questions Teacher teaches tapping Student keeps notebook
Step 3: Wordcards (3-5 minutes)
Teacher presents whole word cards Student reads the cards Teacher asks questions or asks what
student knows about the word Egg timer for fluency, if desired Review vocabulary
Step 4: Wordlist Reading (5 minutes) Use Student Reader Do 5 - 6 practice words Student reads from wordlist Teacher records errors on chart Student colors remaining boxes on chart to
mark progress Fluency: 15/15 real words, 13/15
nonsense words
Step 5: Sentence Reading (5 minutes) Use Student Reader Student reads 10 sentences Student uses pencil for tracking and
fluency Teacher questions meaning of
sentences
Step 6: Quick Drill (in reverse - 1 - 2 minutes) Use Dictation Book - “What Says?”
Student repeats sound, names the letter and points to the card
Step 7: Teach and Review Concepts for Spelling (5 minutes) Teacher gives word Student repeats word Student taps out word Student finds/pulls down letters on
cookie tray Student orally spells word Student says word
Step 8: Written Work Dictation: Sounds, Words, Sentences (15 minutes)
Use Dictation Book Student writes 5 sounds, 5 real words, 5
nonsense words, 3 sight words, and 3 sentences that the teacher dictates
Student “marks up” words and sentences
Step 9: Controlled Passage Reading (10 - 15 minutes) Can use Student Reader (controlled
passages) Student reads silently (pencil for tracking) Student visualizes passage - replays-retells Teacher must model visualization and
retelling process Student reads orally
Step 10: Listening Comprehension (10 - 30 minutes) Noncontrolled text Help with visualization Student replays, then retells For enjoyment, auditory processing Use literature, newspapers, and
magazines
Wilson Reading Schedule - 5 Days Per Week Day 1: Parts 1 - 5, 9 Day 2: Parts 1, 2, 6 - 8 Day 3: Parts 1 - 5, 9 Day 4: Parts 1, 2, 6 - 8 Day 5: Part 10