I am certified to provide tutoring with Barton Reading & Spelling. This is an Orton-Gillingham based system for intensive multi-sensory instruction in reading and spelling, for people with known or suspected dyslexia.
Reading and spelling instruction is provided using the best methods for the dyslexic learner, and at a pace that is suited to their individual needs. This gives each student the opportunity to successfully grow his language skills—while also increasing self-confidence!
The Barton Reading & Spelling system was created by Susan Barton, who has been inducted into the International Dyslexia Association’s Hall of Honor for her outstanding achievements in the field of dyslexia. The Barton system:
- Is based on Orton-Gillingham methods
- Is based on scientific research (evidence-based)
- Meets the National Institute of Health’s description of Best Practices for students with dyslexia
- Follows all of the IMSLEC principles (International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council)
- Has been approved by the California, Colorado and Arkansas Boards of Education
THE BARTON SYSTEM COVERS:
Phonological Awareness
Spelling
Fluency
Prosody
Phonics decoding and encoding
Vocabulary
Comprehension
Grammar and syntax
PRESCREENING
All students requesting tutoring with Barton Reading & Spelling must participate in a short free screening to determine if the Barton system is a good fit.
ORTON-GILLINGHAM
What does it mean to be ‘Orton-Gillingham based’?
The Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach is named after Samuel Orton (neuropsychiatrist/pathologist) and Anna Gillingham (psychologist/educator), who extensively studied reading failure and language processing difficulties. Their teaching practices (first published in the 1930s), have provided the foundation for dyslexic student instruction for many decades. Since then, lots of research has been done on how individuals learn to read and write, and which teaching methods are best for people with dyslexia. Today, there are several programs available that are built on the research-tested Orton-Gillingham foundation. The Barton Reading & Spelling system is one of these.
The Barton system uses the best research-based methods for the dyslexic learner. These methods include:
- Simultaneous Multisensory Instruction: Research has shown that dyslexic people who use all their senses when they learn (visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic) are better able to store and retrieve the information.
- Direct, Explicit Instruction: Dyslexic learners must be explicitly taught each rule that governs our written language.
- Intense Instruction with Ample Practice: Instruction for dyslexic students must be much more intense, and offer much more practice than for typical learners. Each rule must be practiced until the learner uses it fluently in both reading and spelling, before introducing a new rule.
- Systematic and Cumulative Instruction: Instruction must create a solid foundation with no holes. New learning must be broken into smaller chunks for better retention. Previously learned rules must be woven into current lessons to keep them fresh and solid.
- Synthetic and Analytic Instruction: Dyslexic students must be taught both how to put together individual letters and sounds to form a word (synthetic instruction), as well as how to break longer words into smaller pieces (analytic instruction).
- Diagnostic Teaching: The tutor must continuously assess their student’s understanding of, and ability to apply, the rules. And when confusion about a previously-taught rule is discovered, it is retaught.
Using the Barton Reading & Spelling program, you can tutor a child yourself–or you can hire a professional. If you choose to hire a tutor, I would be honored to assist you on this journey. Contact me to learn more: