Wordwall Resources for Wilson Reading System

What is Wilson Reading System?

The Wilson Reading System (WRS) is a structured literacy program designed to help individuals with dyslexia or other learning challenges master reading and spelling. It focuses on teaching phonemic awareness, decoding, and encoding through explicit, multisensory instruction. The program is divided into a series of levels, each targeting specific phonological patterns, syllable types, and advanced language concepts.

The system is organized into 12 steps, each introducing more complex language rules, from basic short vowel sounds to advanced concepts like silent letters, suffixes, and vowel digraphs. This systematic approach ensures that students not only build reading fluency but also develop a deep understanding of language patterns.

Wilson Reading System Steps & Substeps

Step 1: Closed Syllables (3 sounds)

• 1.1 Short vowel sounds

• 1.2 Digraphs (sh, ch, th, wh, ck)

• 1.3 Words with three sounds, including digraphs

• 1.4 Bonus letters or double consonants (l, s, f, and all)

• 1.5 Welded sounds (an, am)

• 1.6 Suffixes -s and -es

Step 2: Closed Syllables (4-6 sounds)

• 2.1 Welded sounds (ang, ing, ong, ung, ank, ink, onk, unk)

• 2.2 Closed syllables with blends

• 2.3 Closed syllable exceptions (ild, ind, old, ost, olt)

• 2.4 5 sounds + suffix -s/-es & Latin-base elements

• 2.5 Three-letter blends - 6 sounds

Step 3: Closed Syllables (Multisyllabic Words)

• 3.1 Two-syllable words with two closed syllables
• 3.2 Two closed syllables, including blends
• 3.3 Words with two closed syllables ending in ct
• 3.4 Multisyllabic words with closed syllables
• 3.5 -ed, -ing suffixes added to basewords

Step 4: Vowel - Consonant - E Syllable (VCE)

• 4.1 VCE syllable in one-syllable words
• 4.2 VCE syllable combined with closed syllables
• 4.3 Multisyllabic words with two syllable types
• 4.4 -ive exception

Step 5: Open Syllable

• 5.1 Open syllable in one-syllable words, y as a vowel
• 5.2 Open syllables combined with VCE and closed syllables in two-syllable words
• 5.3 y as a vowel in two-syllable words
• 5.4 Multisyllabic words with the 3 syllable types
• 5.5 a and i in unaccented syllables (exception to open)

Step 6: Suffix Endings and Consonant-l-e Syllable

• 6.1 Suffixes -er, -est, -en, -es, -able, -ish, -y, -ive, -ly, -ty, -less, -ness, -ment, -ful added to basewords
• 6.2 Suffix -ed: sounds d, t
• 6.3 Combining 2 suffixes to baseword
• 6.4 Consonant -le, -stle exception

Step 7: Introduction to Sound Options, Contractions

• 7.1 c or g before e, I, or y open exception
• 7.2 ge, ce, dge
• 7.3 Trigraph and digraph: tch, ph
• 7.4 tion, sion
• 7.5 Contractions

Step 8: R-Controlled Syllables

• 8.1 ar, er, ir, or, ur - in 1 syllable words
• 8.2 ar, or - in multisyllabic words
• 8.3 er, ir, ur - in multisyllabic words
• 8.4 Exceptions vowel rr para
• 8.5 Exceptions ar, or - in final syllable

Step 9: Vowel Digraph - Dipthong Syllable

• 9.1 ai, ay
• 9.2 ee, ey
• 9.3 oa, oe, ue
• 9.4 oi, oy, au, aw
• 9.5 ou, ow, oo
• 9.6 ea
• 9.7 eu, ew, ui

Step 10: Adding Suffixes to Changing Basewords

• 10.1 VCE exceptions: ice, ace, age, ate, ile, ite, ine
• 10.2 Spelling Rule: baseword ending in e + suffix marking words
• 10.3 Spelling Rule: 1 syllable, closed or r-controlled baseword + suffix 1:1:1 Words
• 10.4 Spelling Rule: double final consonant of multisyllabic baseword when adding suffix
• 10.5 Additional suffixes: -ic, -al, -ible, -ous, -ist, -ism, -ity, -ize, -ary, -ery

Step 11: Additional I, E, Y Vowel Work

• 11.1 y in open, closed, VCE syllable
• 11.2 The Y Spelling Rule
• 11.3 i in an open syllable pronounced as /e/ i as /y/
• 11.4 ie, ei
• 11.5 igh, eigh

Step 12: Advanced Concepts

• 12.1 Split vowels: vowel team exceptions
• 12.2 Silent letters: rh, gh, mb, mn, kn, gn, wr
• 12.3 'w' influencing vowels
• 12.4 ch, que, /k/
• 12.5 ti, ci, tu, ture
• 12.6 Chameleon prefixes

Why Wordwall is Perfect for Wilson Reading System

Wordwall offers an ideal platform to reinforce the principles taught in the Wilson Reading System. Its interactive games and customizable templates provide a dynamic way to practice key skills such as phonics, spelling, and vocabulary. Teachers can tailor the activities to align with specific WRS steps, helping students consolidate their learning while keeping them engaged.

Whether you are focusing on closed syllables, vowel digraphs, or advanced concepts like silent letters, Wordwall’s resources make it easier for students to practice and reinforce what they’ve learned in a fun, gamified environment. With its multisensory approach and immediate feedback, Wordwall complements the Wilson Reading System perfectly by offering targeted practice and motivation for students on their literacy journey.

Start using Wordwall today to create an engaging and effective learning experience that enhances the impact of the Wilson Reading System in your classroom or tutoring sessions!