What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia, as defined in the DSM-5, is a learning difficulty that affects reading, spelling, and writing. It arises not from low intelligence or lack of effort but rather from differences in how the brain processes language. Individuals with dyslexia often face challenges such as decoding words, spelling accurately, and writing letters correctly—for example, confusing “p” and “q,” or reading “saw” for “was.” While these difficulties can impact academic performance and self-esteem, it’s crucial to acknowledge that dyslexic individuals also possess unique strengths, including creativity, problem-solving skills, and strong spatial reasoning abilities.
About the Barton Reading & Spelling System
One program designed to address the needs of learners with dyslexia is the Barton Reading & Spelling System (https://bartonreading.com/ ). This structured literacy intervention takes a systematic, explicit approach to teaching reading, spelling, and writing based on the Orton-Gillingham (https://www.orton-gillingham.com/approach/) methodology. By focusing on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, the Barton program aims to provide a comprehensive foundation for struggling readers while leveraging their inherent strengths.
The Barton Reading & Spelling System stands out due to its multisensory design, which engages auditory, visual, and kinesthetic-tactile pathways simultaneously. Each lesson incorporates activities like tracing letters in sand or air, verbalizing sounds aloud, and visually matching symbols to reinforce learning through multiple senses. For instance, students might practice segmenting words into individual sounds while physically manipulating tiles to break down the sounds in words. This hands-on approach helps solidify connections between sounds and symbols, making it particularly effective for learners who benefit from tactile engagement.
Research Supporting the Barton Reading & Spelling System’s Efficacy
Numerous studies carried out across the United States highlight the efficacy of the Barton Reading & Spelling System, as outlined on their official website (https://bartonreading.com/the-barton-system-is/). In general, all the studies demonstrated that students who participated in the Barton program showed measurable gains in phonemic awareness, decoding, and fluency, with some learners advancing multiple grade levels in their reading abilities after consistent use of the program. For further details on such studies, click here https://bartonreading.com/the-barton-system-is/.
The program has also been recognized by organizations such as the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) for its alignment with evidence-based practices for teaching reading to individuals with dyslexia. While these findings are promising, it is important to note that individual results may vary depending on factors such as the frequency of sessions, the skill level of the instructor, and the specific needs of the learner.
Setbacks of the Barton Reading & Spelling System
Despite its strengths, there are considerations to keep in mind. The program requires significant time commitment, both from students and instructors, as lessons typically span several months to years depending on the learner’s starting point. Furthermore, the cost of materials and potential need for professional guidance may present barriers for some families.
Another common critique is that the program’s highly structured and repetitive nature can become tedious for some students. While effective for reinforcing learning, it may lead to boredom or frustration, particularly for students who crave variety or have shorter attention spans. For instance, spending extended periods on phonemic drills or repetitive exercises can make the process feel monotonous, causing some learners to disengage. This challenge underscores the importance of tailoring the delivery of the program to maintain student motivation.
The Role of Individual Instructors/Facilitators
Recognizing the limitations of the program helps ensure that the Barton program remains a supportive tool rather than a source of discouragement for students navigating the complexities of dyslexia. Skilled instructors or facilitators incorporate additional elements, such as games, creative activities, or real-world applications, to keep lessons engaging and prevent fatigue.
A facilitator who understands the child’s personality, interests, and learning style can make a significant difference by infusing creativity into the lessons. For example, incorporating the child’s favorite themes, such as animals, sports, or superheroes, into phonics exercises or using interactive tools like storytelling, drawing, or movement-based activities can transform repetitive drills into enjoyable learning experiences.
This personalized approach not only helps maintain engagement but also fosters a positive association with reading and spelling. Flexibility on the part of the facilitator ensures that the program remains effective while being tailored to the unique dynamics of each learner, ultimately creating a more meaningful and enjoyable educational journey.
In conclusion, the Barton Reading & Spelling System (https://bartonreading.com/?spm=2b75ac3d.2ef5001f.0.0.3d4d5171m0nzgf) offers a unique approach to supporting students with dyslexia. While it can be highly beneficial for many, it does not work for every student.
At Hils Learning, we believe in empowering every learner by recognizing their individual needs and strengths. Understanding how to adapt principles from programs like the Barton Reading & Spelling System (https://bartonreading.com/?spm=2b75ac3d.2ef5001f.0.0.3d4d5171m0nzgf) is key to making the journey of learning to read and spell fun and enjoyable for students.