Children who struggle with reading are not always lacking effort; they may have a neurological difference that affects how their brains process language. Dyslexia is common, with research estimating that 10 - 15% of children may be affected.

This means around one or two students in every classroom find reading and spelling consistently difficult. Without structured, evidence-based support, these challenges can persist and widen over time, affecting confidence and academic progress.

In this blog, we explore five evidence-based reading programs for dyslexia learners to become more confident, fluent, and independent readers.

Let's start with the basics:

• Dyslexia needs structured support. Explicit, systematic instruction is essential for decoding, spelling, and fluency.

• Five proven programs stand out. Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, Barton, Lindamood-Bell, and Sounds-Write are widely used for dyslexic learners.

• Multisensory learning improves retention. Seeing, hearing, and doing together strengthens sound–letter understanding.

• Observable progress matters. Reduced guessing, smoother reading, and better spelling show real improvement.

• Consistent guidance builds confidence. Small-group support and feedback help children feel capable while learning.

Why Do Children With Dyslexia Need Structured Reading Support?

Dyslexia is a neurological learning difference that affects how the brain processes written language. Children with dyslexia often struggle with decoding words, recognising sound patterns, and spelling, even when they are bright and capable in other areas.

Children with dyslexia benefit from structured reading support because it:

• Teaches Phonics Directly: Sound–letter relationships are explained clearly rather than assumed.

• Builds Skills Step By Step: Learning follows a logical order from simple to complex patterns.

• Provides Repetition and Practice: Frequent review helps information stick.

• Reduces Guessing Habits: Children learn to decode words accurately instead of relying on memory or pictures.

• Improves Reading Confidence: Structured success reduces frustration and anxiety.

Recognising when this level of support is needed is the next important step. The signs are covered in the next section.

Suggested Read: How to Improve Reading Fluency in Dyslexic Students?

Identifying When Dyslexic Learners Require Targeted Support

Dyslexia can sometimes go unnoticed because children may appear to read, but with great effort and little confidence. Over time, certain patterns emerge that indicate the need for structured, targeted reading intervention rather than general practice.

Look for these signs:

• Persistent Difficulty With Phonics: Struggles to connect sounds with letters even after repeated teaching.

• Very Slow, Effortful Reading: Reads word by word without smooth flow or phrasing.

• Frequent Word Guessing: Relies on pictures, context, or the first letter instead of decoding.

• Poor Spelling Of Simple Words: Misspells common phonetic words repeatedly.

• Avoidance of Reading Tasks: Shows frustration, fatigue, or reluctance to read aloud.

• Difficulty Remembering Sight Words: Cannot quickly recognise common words without sounding them out.

• Low Reading Confidence: Hesitates or feels anxious during reading activities.

When several of these signs appear together, targeted reading support becomes essential. The next section examines five evidence-based reading programs that are particularly effective for learners with dyslexia.

5 Proven Reading Programs For Young Learners with Dyslexia

The programs below are selected because they follow structured literacy principles, are supported by research, and are widely used for learners with dyslexia. Each one teaches reading in an explicit, systematic, and multisensory way that targets decoding, fluency, and spelling together.

Table showing a helpful comparison of the 5 programs:

Brief overview of the evidence-based programs:

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1. Orton-Gillingham

Developed in the 1930s by Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham, this approach was created specifically for learners who struggled to read despite being intelligent and capable. It became the foundation for most modern structured literacy programs used for dyslexia today.

Features:

• Explicit Phonics Teaching: Children are directly taught how sounds connect to letters, rather than being expected to figure it out through reading practice.

• Multisensory Learning: Children see the letter, say the sound, and often trace or write it, helping the brain store the learning more effectively.

• Carefully Sequenced Lessons: Skills are introduced in a logical order so children do not feel overwhelmed or confused.

• Constant Review and Reinforcement: Previously learned patterns are revisited regularly to help them stick.

• Diagnostic Teaching Style: The instructor adjusts the lesson based on the child's responses, making it highly personalized.

Pros

• Highly adaptable to individual learners

• Strong track record with dyslexic readers

• Builds very solid decoding foundations

Cons

• Requires a well-trained instructor

• Not a ready-made, scripted program

Best Suited For Children Who:

• Seems to forget phonics rules even after repeated teaching

• Rely heavily on guessing words from pictures or context

• Read the same word differently each time they see it

• Struggle to break words into sounds independently

• Show frustration because reading feels unpredictable

You Will Notice Progress When:

• The child begins attempting to sound out new words without fear

• Guessing reduces, and decoding becomes the first strategy

• Spelling starts to reflect sound patterns instead of memory

• Reading becomes more consistent and less hesitant

• The child shows small signs of confidence while reading aloud

2. Wilson Reading System

Created by Barbara Wilson in the 1980s, this system is based on Orton-Gillingham principles but presented as a clearly structured curriculum. It is widely used in schools because it offers consistency, sequence, and clarity for both teachers and learners.

Features:

• Step-By-Step Lesson Structure: Every lesson follows a predictable routine that reduces confusion for the child.

• Decoding and Spelling Together: Children learn to read and spell using the same sound patterns.

• Built-In Progress Checks: Regular assessments help track whether learning is sticking.

• Cumulative Learning: New skills are always built on previously mastered ones.

• Suitable for Small Groups: Can be effectively delivered in intervention classrooms.

Pros

• Very clear structure for teachers and learners

• Strong support for both reading and spelling

• Easy to maintain consistency across sessions

Cons

• Less flexible than the OG approach

• Requires formal training to deliver correctly

Best Suited For Children Who:

• Need predictable lesson routines to feel secure

• Struggle with both reading and spelling equally

• Feel overwhelmed when instruction feels unstructured

• Benefit from repetition and clear progression

You Will Notice Progress When:

• Reading becomes more accurate and methodical

• Spelling errors begin to reduce noticeably

• The child starts recognising familiar word patterns quickly

• Reading feels less stressful and more controlled

3. Barton Reading & Spelling System

Developed by Susan Barton, this program translates Orton-Gillingham methods into scripted lessons that parents, tutors, and educators can follow. It is designed specifically for one-to-one intervention for children with moderate to severe reading difficulties.

Features:

• Scripted, Easy-To-Follow Lessons: Adults do not need to design instruction themselves.

• Strong Focus on Sound Awareness: Children learn how sounds work inside words.

• Diagnostic Progression: Movement through levels depends on mastery, not time.

• One-To-One Delivery: Allows highly focused attention and support.

Pros

• Parent and tutor friendly

• Clear structure and progression

• Excellent for intensive intervention

Cons

• Requires purchase of materials

• Not suitable for group teaching

Best Suited For Children Who:

• Need very focused, individual attention

• Struggle significantly with decoding and spelling

• Become overwhelmed in group learning settings

• Need a slower, carefully guided pace

You Will Notice Progress When:

• The child reads unfamiliar words with less hesitation

• Letter reversals and sound confusions reduce

• Reading sessions feel less tiring

• The child begins to trust their decoding ability

4. Lindamood-Bell

Founded by Patricia and Nanci Bell, this program focuses on how the brain processes language and meaning. It includes approaches like LiPS and Visualising & Verbalising to strengthen both decoding and comprehension.

Features:

• Phoneme Sequencing Training: Teaches children to feel and hear sounds inside words.

• Imagery for Comprehension: Helps children create mental pictures while reading.

• Intensive, Individualized Instruction: Lessons are tailored to the learner’s needs.

• Focus on Meaning Alongside Decoding: Comprehension is addressed from the start.

Pros

• Strong support for comprehension difficulties

• Addresses deeper language processing issues

• Helpful for complex reading challenges

Cons

• Can be expensive

• Requires specialist training

Best Suited For Children Who:

• Can read words but does not understand what they read

• Struggle to visualise stories or information

• Have language processing or comprehension difficulties

• Need intensive, personalized intervention

You Will Notice Progress When:

• The child explains what they read more clearly

• Recall of details improves significantly

• Reading begins to sound more expressive and meaningful

• Sentences make more sense to the child

5. Sounds-Write

Developed in the UK by John Walker, Sounds-Write is a linguistic phonics program based on how the English spelling code actually works. It is known for its clarity, simplicity, and strong phonics foundation.

Features:

• Logical Sound-Letter Mapping: Teaches how sounds relate to letters in a clear way.

• Consistent Lesson Routine: Predictable structure supports confidence.

• Strong Focus On Decoding Accuracy: Reduces reliance on guessing.

• Flexible for Classroom or Intervention Use: Can be adapted to different settings.

Pros

• Clear and simple structure

• Excellent for building phonics clarity

• Suitable for early learners

Cons

• Less focus on comprehension strategies

• Requires trained delivery

Best Suited For Children Who:

• Feel confused about how sounds map to letters

• Guess words instead of blending sounds

• Have fragile early decoding skills

• Need a clearer phonics foundation

You Will Notice Progress When:

• Sound blending becomes quicker and more confident

• Reading hesitation reduces noticeably

• Word recognition improves without guessing

• The child shows more certainty while reading aloud

Choosing between these programs depends on the child’s specific reading profile and learning needs. Next, let us look at how to choose the right program for a child with dyslexia.

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How To Choose The Right Program For A Child With Dyslexia

Choosing a reading program for a child with dyslexia can feel overwhelming because many options appear similar on the surface.

When deciding, consider:

• Primary Difficulty Area: Is the struggle mainly with decoding, spelling, fluency, or comprehension?

• Level of Structure Needed: Children with dyslexia benefit from clear, predictable lesson sequences.

• Teaching Method: Look for multisensory, explicit phonics-based instruction rather than general reading practice.

• Instructor Training: The effectiveness depends heavily on how well the program is delivered.

• Learning Setting: Decide which one-to-one, small-group, or school-based intervention best suits the child.

• Child’s Response To Instruction: Some children need slower pacing and repetition, while others benefit from structured progression.

• Consistency of Sessions: Regular, uninterrupted sessions are critical for progress.

Making this decision carefully ensures that time and effort lead to real improvement rather than frustration. Understanding what truly makes a program suitable for dyslexia helps narrow down the right choice.

What Makes A Reading Program Suitable For Dyslexia?

Children with dyslexia require instruction that is explicit, systematic, and built around how they process written language differently.

A suitable reading program for dyslexia should include:

• Explicit Phonics Instruction: Sound–letter rules are taught directly and clearly.

• Structured, Sequential Lessons: Skills are introduced in a logical order with no gaps.

• Regular Review and Reinforcement: Previously learned patterns are revisited often.

• Multisensory Teaching Methods: Children see, hear, and engage physically with learning.

• Diagnostic Teaching Approach: Lessons adjust based on how the child responds.

• Focus on Decoding and Spelling Together: Reading and spelling are taught as connected skills.

• Progress Monitoring: Clear tracking of decoding, fluency, and comprehension growth.

These elements ensure the program addresses the root causes of reading difficulty rather than offering surface-level practice. One of the most important elements among these is multisensory learning, which is covered in the next section.

Suggested Read: Phonics vs Phonology: Understanding Early Reading Skills for Your Child

Importance of Multisensory Learning For Dyslexic Learners

Simply seeing words on a page is often not enough for learning to stick. Multisensory learning strengthens reading by engaging multiple brain pathways simultaneously.

Multisensory learning helps because it:

• Engages Visual, Auditory, and Physical Memory: Children see the letter, say the sound, and trace or write it.

• Improves Sound–Letter Connection: Reinforces how sounds map to written symbols.

• Strengthens Retention: Learning becomes easier to remember when more senses are involved.

• Reduces Confusion Between Similar Letters: Physical tracing and repetition reduce reversals.

• Builds Confidence Through Interaction: Active participation makes learning less frustrating.

• Supports Slower Language Processing: Gives the brain more time and methods to absorb information.

This is why most evidence-based dyslexia programs rely heavily on multisensory techniques. However, even with the right approach, certain mistakes can slow progress when seeking support.

Suggested Read: Online Literacy Tutoring for Elementary Students

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Avoiding Mistakes When Looking For Dyslexia Support

Finding help for a child with dyslexia can feel urgent, but rushing into the wrong kind of support can delay real progress. Many well-meaning choices end up focusing on general reading practice instead of the structured instruction dyslexic learners truly need.

Common mistakes to avoid include:

• Choosing General Tutoring: Regular reading help without structured phonics rarely addresses the root difficulty.

• Waiting Too Long To Intervene: Early support prevents gaps from widening over time.

• Ignoring Instructor Training: Even good programs are ineffective without proper delivery.

• Focusing Only On Sight Words: Memorising words does not build decoding ability.

• Using Texts That Are Too Difficult: Overly challenging books increase guessing and frustration.

Avoiding these mistakes helps ensure that the time, effort, and resources invested truly support the child’s reading growth. This is where guided, structured literacy support like FunFox can make a meaningful difference.

Suggested Read: Foundational Literacy Skills in the Science of Reading

How Does FunFox Support Children With Dyslexia

FunFox is an online literacy program that delivers structured, small-group learning led by trained teachers. The programs combine curriculum-aligned instruction, interactive resources, and consistent feedback to support children who need guided, patient literacy development.

FunFox Readers Club supports dyslexic learners through:

• Small Groups (3–6 Students): Every child participates, reads aloud, and receives individual attention that larger classrooms cannot provide.

• Trained Teachers Who Guide, Not Rush: Lessons are paced carefully so children can process sounds, words, and meaning without pressure.

• Session Recordings: Children can revisit lessons to reinforce patterns and concepts at their own speed.

• Digital Worksheets and Games: Structured practice continues beyond class using engaging, purposeful activities.

• Clear Punctuation and Phrasing Focus: Children learn how reading should sound, improving fluency and comprehension together.

• Regular Feedback to Parents: Progress in decoding, fluency, and confidence is shared consistently.

FunFox also offers a Writers Club, where improved literacy skills lead to confident writing, clearer expression, and creative thinking.

Conclusion

Children with dyslexia benefit most when learning is calm, consistent, and carefully guided rather than rushed or improvised. The right support reduces frustration and helps children feel capable instead of overwhelmed.

At FunFox, children are supported through interactive small-group Zoom sessions where every learner participates and receives individual attention. Recorded classes and structured digital resources allow children to revisit concepts and practice at a pace that suits them.

Start building lasting literacy confidence with our Readers Club. Book a free trial class.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can children with dyslexia ever become fluent readers?

Yes. With structured, explicit instruction and consistent practice, many children with dyslexia learn to decode accurately, read smoothly, and understand text with growing confidence over time.

2. At what age should dyslexia intervention begin?

Intervention should begin as soon as persistent reading difficulties are noticed, often in the early primary years. Early support prevents gaps from widening and reduces long-term reading frustration.

3. Do children with dyslexia need one-to-one instruction?

Not always. Small, structured groups can also be effective if every child gets reading time, feedback, and personalized guidance during each session.

4. Why do dyslexic children struggle with spelling as well as reading?

Reading and spelling rely on the same sound–letter knowledge. When decoding is difficult, spelling often reflects the same confusion with sounds and letter patterns.

5. How long does dyslexia reading intervention usually take?

Progress varies by child, but consistent intervention over several months is typically needed before noticeable improvements in decoding, fluency, and confidence are seen.