I use the Wilson Reading System® (WRS), a structured literacy program designed to provide explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, spelling, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Lessons follow a consistent routine, allowing students to build new skills while continually reviewing previously taught concepts.
The goal is for students to become accurate, confident, and increasingly independent readers and spellers.
Key Components of Instruction
Phonemic awareness is the ability to identify and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words. In WRS, students engage in activities that enhance their ability to segment, blend, and manipulate sounds, which is foundational for effective decoding and spelling. For example, students might practice breaking down the word "cat" into its constituent sounds: /c/ /a/ /t/.
Understanding the relationship between sounds (phonemes) and their corresponding letters or letter combinations (graphemes) is crucial for decoding and encoding. WRS systematically teaches these associations, helping students accurately translate spoken language into written form and vice versa. This includes teaching both single letters (e.g., "m") and complex letter combinations (e.g., "sh").
English words are often composed of multiple syllables, each with its own set of rules. WRS introduces students to the six syllable types in English, teaching them how to identify and divide words into syllables. This skill aids in accurate decoding and spelling, as well as in improving reading fluency. For instance, understanding that "happy" has two syllables can help in breaking it down as "hap-py."
Morphology is the study of the structure of words, including the use of prefixes, suffixes, and root words. By understanding how these components work, students can decode complex words more effectively and enhance their vocabulary. For example, recognizing that "un" is a prefix meaning "not" can help in understanding the word "unhappy."
Fluency is the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and proper expression. WRS incorporates repeated reading of controlled texts—these are specially designed passages that align with the current learning step—to build fluency. Regular practice helps students read more quickly and smoothly, which in turn improves comprehension.
Reading is not just about decoding words but also about understanding and retaining information. WRS teaches students various comprehension strategies, such as visualization, summarization, and making inferences. These techniques help students to process and remember what they read, enhancing overall reading comprehension.