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What is the Barton Reading & Spelling System?
The Barton System is a research backed, structured literacy program designed for children, teens, and adults who struggle with reading, writing, and spelling, whether due to dyslexia or other learning differences. It breaks learning into clear, manageable steps that make literacy skills more accessible to all students. Those who complete all ten levels typically reach a mid-ninth-grade level in reading, spelling, and basic writing, which is equivalent to an adult level.
the barton system works
Backed by decades of research, the Barton System is based on the understanding that reading challenges, including dyslexia, don’t have to define a child’s future. In fact, studies show that 95% of reading difficulties can be overcome with the right approach and a knowledgeable, trained instructor.
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Inspired by the incredible work of Dr. Orton and Anna Gillingham in the 1930s, the Barton System brings their proven, structured methods into today’s tutoring sessions. As one of the leading Orton-Gillingham-based programs, it follows a clear and personalized, step-by-step approach to boost reading, spelling, and writing, making learning more accessible, empowering, and even enjoyable for every student.
how it works
One-on-one learning is at the heart of our program and takes place virtually through the fun, interactive Koala Go platform. Using online tools like Whizzimo and colour-coded letter tiles, we create an engaging environment where students connect sounds to letters with confidence. Instead of memorizing whole words, our students learn to break down and decode each word, sound by sound.
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The Barton program is a structured, step-by-step system that guides learners through ten progressive levels. By the end of Level 10, students typically reach a mid-ninth-grade reading and spelling level, a milestone often considered the functional literacy level for adults.
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After completing each level, students receive a personalized certificate to celebrate their progress and recognize their growing mastery in reading and spelling.
Susan Barton, a globally acknowledged dyslexia expert and the visionary behind the Barton Reading & Spelling Program, dives into essential topics. Gain insights on common myths, navigating the disability label, classroom accommodations, and more.
CURRICULUM
Phonemic Awareness
We teach the 7 essential phonemic awareness skills as rapidly as possible.
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Lesson 1: CV and VC nonsense words
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Lesson 2: CVC nonsense words
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Lesson 3: VCC nonsense words
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Lesson 4: CCV nonsense words
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Lesson 5: Rhyming & Real Words
PREREQUISITES
A Barton student must:
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Be at least 5 years old and in kindergarten
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Can speak and comprehend spoken English
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Have an IQ of 71 or higher
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Struggles with spelling when writing stories, and can not easily sound out unknown words when reading
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Pass our Barton Student Screening
7 ways rosedale readers ensures success
1. We welcome every family into the Rosedale Readers community, where you’re not just a client, you’re family!
2. Certified and licensed tutors provide one-on-one sessions, focusing entirely on one student at a time for personalized approach.
3. We use the evidence-based Barton Reading & Spelling System, proven to support students with diagnosed or suspected dyslexia, and those who simply need to close any gaps in literacy.
4. Instruction targets key areas such as phonemic and phonological awareness, sound-symbol associations, spelling rules, accuracy, and fluency.
5. Every lesson is tailored to meet the unique learning needs of each student.
6. Empower students through ongoing positive reinforcement, building confidence, boosting literacy interest, and supporting self-assurance.
7. Trained specialists make learning enjoyable while addressing specific learning differences in reading (dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), and spelling (dysorthographia).
Barton Resources & Support
At Rosedale Readers, we use a diverse variety of valuable resources to enhance the effectiveness of the Barton System.
Whizzimo
Spelling Success Games
Stand Alone Books
Sight Word Games
Koala Go
Spelling Rules
Goodbye Zoom Boredom!
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Sarah, Grade 5
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