Dyslexia is not a vision problem or an intelligence issue - it’s a phonological processing difference that responds well to structured, explicit, multi-sensory reading instruction. The products below represent the best available tools for that purpose: two proven reading programs, a sensory accommodation tool, a handwriting curriculum, and the definitive parent guide to understanding and supporting a dyslexic learner.
| Product | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Barton Reading & Spelling Level 1 | Structured literacy tutoring | Orton-Gillingham tutor-ready format |
| All About Reading Pre-Level 1 | Homeschool reading readiness | Complete kit with manipulatives |
| Dyslexia Colored Reading Rulers 10-Pack | Visual stress accommodation | Multiple tints for individual fit |
| Handwriting Without Tears Workbook | Dyslexia-friendly handwriting | Simplified letter formation sequences |
| Overcoming Dyslexia - Sally Shaywitz | Parent and educator guide | Neuroscience-based roadmap |
The Barton Reading & Spelling System Level 1
The Barton system is one of the most carefully compared Orton-Gillingham programs available to non-specialist tutors. Level 1 begins before phonics - it builds phonemic awareness, the ability to hear and manipulate sounds - which is the exact skill dyslexic learners most often lack. The program uses physical tiles, explicit scripts, and a multi-sensory sequence designed so any committed parent or paraprofessional can deliver effective instruction without a reading specialist credential.
Pros:
- Requires no special training - the tutor guide is detailed and scripted
- Multi-sensory design (see, say, touch) accelerates learning for dyslexic brains
- Peer-reviewed and widely used in reading intervention programs
Cons:
- Level 1 alone is a significant investment; full program across all levels is costly
- Best results come from consistent daily 20-30 minute sessions - requires commitment
All About Reading Pre-Level 1 Set
All About Reading’s Pre-Level 1 kit is the on-ramp for children who aren’t yet ready to begin formal phonics instruction. It builds phonemic awareness, alphabet knowledge, and print concepts through games, songs, and hands on activities using letter tiles and a magnetic board. The complete kit includes the teacher’s manual, student activity book, and all manipulatives - so there’s nothing extra to source.
Pros:
- Complete kit format means no additional purchases to get started
- Gentle pacing appropriate for kindergarten-age and delayed readers
- Engaging activity variety keeps sessions from feeling like drilling
Cons:
- Pre-Level 1 is a prerequisite, not a full reading program - expect to purchase Level 1 once readiness is established
- The magnetic board, while useful, adds bulk to storage
Dyslexia Overlay Colored Reading Rulers Set (10-Pack)
Colored reading rulers (also called overlays) are semi-transparent tinted strips placed over text to reduce the visual distortion some dyslexic readers experience with high-contrast black text on white paper. A 10-pack provides enough variety to identify which color produces the most relief for an individual reader - typically yellow, blue, or rose. They’re an inexpensive first accommodation to try before pursuing a formal Irlen assessment.
Pros:
- Low cost makes them a low-risk first intervention to try
- Multiple colors in one pack allow individual color-matching at home
- Portable and compatible with any printed text or worksheet
Cons:
- Don’t help dyslexia caused purely by phonological processing - no visual accommodation will
- Tinted screens on digital devices serve the same purpose for on-screen reading
Learning Without Tears Handwriting Without Tears Workbook
Handwriting Without Tears uses a simplified, dyslexia-aware letter formation sequence that reduces the visual confusion between commonly reversed letters (b/d, p/q). The program starts with capitals (which have fewer reversals) before moving to lowercase, and uses verbal cues and tactile aids to make letter formation memorable. It’s the most widely used dyslexia-friendly handwriting curriculum in both schools and home settings.
Pros:
- Proven to reduce letter reversal errors with explicit, consistent cues
- Starts with capital letters - a sequencing decision with strong dyslexia rationale
- Multi-sensory supplemental tools (slate boards, wood pieces) available separately
Cons:
- Some children find the writing style looks different from their school’s handwriting curriculum - may cause brief confusion when transitioning between programs
- Requires purchase of the grade-appropriate level; verify before ordering
Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz
Dr. Sally Shaywitz - co-director of the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity - wrote the most comprehensive parent guide to understanding and addressing dyslexia available in print. The book explains the neuroscience behind why dyslexic readers struggle, how to identify dyslexia early, and exactly which interventions (phonics-based structured literacy) the evidence supports. For any parent who has just received a diagnosis, this is the first book to read.
Pros:
- Written by one of the world’s leading dyslexia researchers - authoritative and current
- Covers identification, intervention, school advocacy, and emotional support in one volume
- Highly readable despite the depth of research behind it
Cons:
- Some parents want more curriculum specifics; the book is a roadmap, not a lesson plan
- Updated edition (2020) is still the most current, so some references may lag modern research
What to Look For
- Orton-Gillingham foundation - any reading program for dyslexia should use explicit, sequential, multi-sensory phonics instruction; this is the gold standard with the strongest evidence base
- Phonemic awareness before phonics - if a child cannot yet segment and blend spoken sounds, start at the phonemic awareness level, not with letters
- Scripted tutor guides - programs that script the teacher’s language remove uncertainty and ensure the method is delivered consistently
- Accommodations alongside instruction - colored overlays, audio versions of books, and extra time are legitimate supports that allow learning to continue while intervention builds underlying skills
Final Thoughts
Dyslexia is highly responsive to early, systematic intervention. The sooner structured literacy instruction begins, the better the long-term reading outcome. Start with Shaywitz’s book to understand the landscape, layer in a structured program like Barton or All About Reading, and add low-cost accommodations like colored overlays to make the daily reading experience more manageable. Progress is real and consistent with the right tools.
Frequently asked questions
What reading approach works best for dyslexia?+
Structured literacy - specifically the Orton-Gillingham method - is the most research-supported approach for dyslexia. It teaches phonics explicitly, sequentially, and multi-sensorially, engaging visual, auditory, and tactile pathways simultaneously. Both Barton and All About Reading are based on Orton-Gillingham principles and are widely used with strong results.
Do colored reading overlays actually work for dyslexia?+
For some children with dyslexia - particularly those with visual stress or Meares-Irlen syndrome - colored overlays reduce the apparent movement and crowding of text on white paper. Results vary by individual; most experts recommend trialing multiple colors to find the one that provides the most relief before purchasing a full set.
How is the Barton Reading System different from All About Reading?+
Barton is a tutor-friendly system designed so that a non-specialist parent or paraprofessional can deliver structured literacy instruction effectively. All About Reading is a complete homeschool program with more built-in parent guidance. Both are Orton-Gillingham based; Barton is more clinical in structure, while All About Reading feels more like a traditional home curriculum.