The Wilson Reading System
(www.WilsonLanguage.com)
Presented by
Marlene C. Rolfe
The Wilson Reading System
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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:
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Use Dictation Book - “What Says?”
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Student repeats sound, names the letter
and points to the card
Step 7: Teach and Review
Concepts for Spelling (5 minutes)
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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)
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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)
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Can use Student Reader (controlled
passages)
Student reads silently (pencil for
tracking)
Student visualizes passage - replaysretells
Teacher must model visualization and
retelling process
Student reads orally
Step 10: Listening
Comprehension (10 - 30 minutes)
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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
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Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
Day 4:
Day 5:
Parts 1 - 5, 9
Parts 1, 2, 6 - 8
Parts 1 - 5, 9
Parts 1, 2, 6 - 8
Part 10