Barton Reading & Spelling System

lhjernigan · anonymous user Joined: 24 Jan 2012 Posts: 1

I work in a learning center that uses the Barton System, an Orton-Gillingham based program. We like it because it is so well-designed & can be used by professionals and/or parents.

Interested in any thoughts/experiences others have had with Barton, especially as it relates to other O-G programs.

Roma Chadha · anonymous user Joined: 23 May 2012 Posts: 2

I love the Barton program. I have used it successfully for five years and have helped tons of kids go from not knowing the alphabet to reading and spelling above grade level.

I was so wary when I started out and almost gave up more than once, but to see the kids turn around by the time they reach Level 4 never ceases to amaze me and has kept me going.

There are a couple of reasons I like the program.
1) Parents at home could do for a fairly reasonable cost, much much less than going to a tutor. This puts the parents in charge and they aren't sitting around feeling helpless about what their child is going through, they know exactly where the child struggles and what he needs to do.

2) It is Orton-Gillingham based, yes, so follows that same sequntial logical approach that the kids need.

3) The programs are entirely scripted and a dyslexic parent could pick up a book and teach their own child. What a break through idea! :) Though as a tutor, I'm grateful the scripting too.

4) You get 24/7 support... Susan Barton, the owner and producer of the program will actually email and call you with any help you need, their service is impeccable.

The only area I feel it could be stronger in sight words, and for that I use the I See, I Spell I Learn picture sight words flashcards. They have pics on them which help kids learn how to spell sight words (I don't know of any other product that allows kids to spell sight words).

But I am a lover of the Barton program. There are literally thousands who have benefitted from it.