The Wilson Reading System (WRS) is a structured literacy program that teaches reading and spelling. It uses a multisensory approach to help students understand the English language's structure.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 3.3 million students were homeschooled in the United States as of 2023, representing roughly 6% of the school-age population. Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests.
What is the wilson reading system?
The Wilson Reading System (WRS) is a structured literacy program. It teaches the English language step by step, using a multisensory approach. Created by Barbara Wilson, it’s based on Orton-Gillingham principles. WRS focuses on decoding and encoding through a 12-step curriculum. Students learn by using sight, sound, touch, and movement. A key part of the method is ‘sound-tapping,’ where they tap sounds on their fingers to break down words.
Who wilson reading helps
Wilson is for students in grades 2-12 and adults struggling with reading. It's great for those who haven't learned decoding and spelling effectively before. This includes students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. Wilson is a Tier 3 intervention, meaning it’s for those who need the most help. If your child has faced challenges with other reading programs or has a dyslexia diagnosis, Wilson might be a good fit.
The methodology
Every Wilson lesson has a ten-part structure spread over three blocks, each lasting 20-30 minutes. Lessons cover phonemic awareness, word analysis, reading, spelling practice, and reviews. The sound-tapping technique helps students connect sounds to letters by tapping each sound on their fingers. The program has 12 steps, with students mastering each level before moving on. It's important to note that this isn’t a quick fix—it usually takes 2-3 years to complete, with lessons at least twice a week.
Training requirements
A challenge for homeschoolers is that Wilson recommends certified teachers for instruction. Getting certified requires a big commitment. To earn Level I Certification, you need to finish an intensive online course, attend a 3-day workshop, and teach at least 65 one-hour lessons. Some universities, like Georgian Court, offer certification programs for parents and tutors. While you can buy materials without certification, Wilson advises against it. Without training, the investment in materials may not lead to good results.
The bottom line
The Wilson Reading System is a top choice for structured literacy help, especially for students with dyslexia. However, the training requirements can be tough for homeschool families. If your child needs serious intervention and you’re ready to get certified, Wilson offers proven results. For many homeschoolers, the Barton Reading and Spelling System is a more accessible alternative. It’s designed for parents to teach without formal training. Both methods focus on a structured, multisensory approach that research shows struggling readers benefit from.
