Help Your Child Overcome Reading Struggles with a Certified Online Dyslexia Tutor Using the Wilson Reading System
- Kathy Cousineau
- Jul 9
- 7 min read
When a student struggles with reading, the effects ripple beyond the classroom. It can impact self-esteem, motivation, and even their relationship with learning. For children with dyslexia, these challenges are often misunderstood, and traditional teaching methods often fall short.
That’s why structured literacy is so powerful. This research-based approach is designed to meet the needs of students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities, offering a clear, step-by-step method for teaching reading, spelling, and comprehension.
One of the most trusted structured literacy programs is the Wilson Reading System®. Grounded in phonological-coding research and Orton-Gillingham principles, it provides students with the tools they need to make real, lasting progress. And when it’s delivered by a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, the results can be life-changing.
In this post, we’ll walk you through what structured literacy is, why the Wilson Reading System works, and how certified instruction can support your child’s reading journey.
What Is Structured Literacy and Why Does it Work?
Structured literacy is a proven way to teach reading that’s especially effective for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning challenges. It breaks reading down into clear, manageable steps and teaches the structure of language directly and systematically.
In plain terms: It’s not about guessing or memorizing words—it’s about learning how reading and spelling actually work.
Structured literacy teaches important skills like:
Phonemic awareness (hearing and working with sounds in words)
Phonics (connecting sounds to letters)
Spelling patterns
Vocabulary and word meanings
Reading comprehension
Instruction is:
Explicit (everything is taught clearly, not left to chance)
Repetitive and consistent
Cumulative (each lesson builds on the last)
Tailored to your child’s pace and progress
How Does the Wilson Reading System® Bring Structured Literacy to Life?
The Wilson Reading System® is one of the most widely used structured literacy programs in the U.S. It was designed specifically for students who struggle with reading and haven’t made progress with other methods.
Wilson follows every core principle of structured literacy, using:
A step-by-step sequence that builds reading and spelling skills
from the ground up
Multisensory methods that help students see, hear, say, and write as they learn
A focus on decoding, spelling, fluency, and comprehension
Backed by phonological-coding research and Orton-Gillingham principles, the Wilson Reading System gives struggling readers the tools they need to succeed—and the confidence to keep going.
How Does the Wilson Reading System Help Struggling Readers?
For many students with dyslexia or other reading difficulties, typical instruction simply doesn’t work. These students may guess at words, struggle with spelling, or avoid reading altogether because it feels too hard or frustrating.
The Wilson Reading System® offers a different experience—one built specifically for students who need more than just extra practice. It breaks reading and spelling into clear, manageable steps. Students learn how words work, rather than memorizing them, and gain tools they can apply independently. Every skill is taught directly and reinforced through structured, multisensory lessons that meet students where they are.
As students begin to recognize patterns in language and use new strategies with confidence, they experience more than academic progress—they begin to see themselves as capable readers.
WRS is especially effective for students who:
Have not responded to typical reading interventions
Show signs of dyslexia or other language-based learning differences
Struggle with decoding, spelling, or fluency
Feel discouraged, avoid reading or lack confidence
Because of its strong research base and proven results, the Wilson Reading System is endorsed by the International Dyslexia Association as an effective program for students with dyslexia. That endorsement reflects what many parents and educators already know: with the right instruction and the right support, struggling readers can—and do—make meaningful, lasting progress.
Who Benefits Most from the Wilson Reading System?
The Wilson Reading System is ideal for students in grades 2 and above who have been diagnosed with dyslexia or show signs of a language-based learning disability. It is also effective for adults with word-level deficits who have struggled with reading for years.
Whether your child has an IEP or has been identified as a struggling reader through private testing, this program meets them where they are. If your child avoids reading, spells poorly, or isn’t making sufficient progress despite support, it may be time to consider a certified Wilson tutor. Early intervention can lead to real change.
Why Work with a Certified Wilson Dyslexia Tutor?
Certified Wilson tutors—also known as Wilson Dyslexia Practitioners (W.D.P.s)—undergo intensive training through Wilson Language Training. This includes rigorous coursework, supervised practicum hours, and demonstration of instructional mastery to ensure they implement the program with fidelity.
This isn’t one-size-fits-all instruction. Wilson tutors provide targeted, Tier 3 instruction that is systematic, diagnostic, and tailored to each student’s needs. They work with students in grades 2–12 who aren’t making sufficient progress through standard interventions.
Each session is carefully structured, data-informed, and aligned with the principles of the Wilson Reading System. Tutors track growth closely and adapt instruction based on each student’s level of mastery. With a certified Wilson tutor, your child gets the individualized support needed to build reading and spelling skills—and make lasting progress.
What Happens in a Typical Session?
Each tutoring session follows a 10-part lesson plan aligned with the Wilson Reading System. These lessons include phonemic awareness, decoding, spelling, vocabulary, reading fluency, and comprehension. Tutors use a systematic and cumulative approach to help students build confidence and mastery over time.
Sessions are one-on-one, highly structured, and tailored to the student's current skill level. Tutors closely monitor progress, offer immediate corrective feedback, and adjust instruction as needed to ensure steady growth in reading and spelling.
Can Dyslexia Tutoring Be Done Online?
Yes—and it’s highly effective! Online dyslexia tutoring brings expert instruction straight to your home, making it easier than ever to access specialized help no matter where you live. Certified Wilson tutors use virtual tools such as shared whiteboards, interactive games, and digital lesson materials to deliver structured, engaging sessions that mirror the effectiveness of in-person instruction.
Each session is one-on-one, personalized, and designed to match your child’s current skill level. Tutors provide real-time feedback, monitor progress, and adjust instruction as needed to ensure steady growth in reading and spelling. This flexible format is ideal for busy families and allows students to learn at their own pace with consistent, expert support.
One trusted provider of this type of online dyslexia tutoring is My Happy Teacher. Founded by Kathy Cousineau, M.Ed., a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, My Happy Teacher offers one-on-one instruction tailored to each student’s specific needs using proven methods like WRS and Orton-Gillingham. Their certified Wilson instructors specialize in helping students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences, not only build reading skills, but also confidence.
How Do You Know If Your Child Needs a Wilson Tutor?
If your child continues to struggle with reading despite getting extra help in school, shows signs of a learning disability, or avoids reading altogether, it may be time to explore tutoring with a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner.
Key indicators include poor decoding skills, spelling difficulty, weak
phonemic awareness, and slow progress in intervention programs. A formal dyslexia diagnosis is not required to begin WRS, but many parents choose to pursue it to better understand their child’s needs.
Our free Learning Challenges Quiz at My Happy Teacher can help you identify whether your child might benefit from structured literacy tutoring.
What is the Process for Getting Started with an Online Wilson Tutor?
Getting started is simple. Many families begin by scheduling a consultation with an online certified Wilson tutor to discuss their child’s needs, review past assessments, and determine fit. From there, the tutor designs a personalized instructional plan based on Wilson’s principles.
Once tutoring begins, parents will see consistent structure, high expectations, and compassionate support designed to help their child successfully learn to read.
To get started with My Happy Teacher, visit www.myhappyteacher.com or schedule a call to learn how we can help your child on their reading journey.
What Role Do Parents Play in the Reading Journey?
Parents play a vital role in supporting their child’s reading progress. Staying involved by communicating with the tutor, encouraging home practice, and celebrating small wins can make a big difference in building confidence and momentum.
Certified Wilson tutors often provide suggestions for reinforcement activities at home and regular updates on student progress. When parents and tutors work together as a team, students are more likely to stay motivated and make lasting gains.
Ongoing check-ins and parent coaching are often built into the tutoring process, helping families feel informed, empowered, and supported every step of the way.
Summary: Key Takeaways for Parents
Look for signs like continued reading difficulty, poor spelling, and weak phonemic awareness.
Students in grades 2+ and adults with word-level deficits benefit most from targeted reading intervention.
The Wilson Reading System® is a structured literacy program designed to help students with dyslexia overcome reading challenges.
The program is based on phonological coding research and Orton-Gillingham principles and provides direct instruction in the structure of the English language.
It focuses on building essential reading skills: decoding, spelling, word recognition, and comprehension.
A certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner (W.D.P.) delivers individualized, Tier 3 instruction designed for students who haven’t responded to typical approaches.
Online dyslexia tutoring is a convenient and effective way to access expert, structured literacy instruction.
Parents play a vital role in supporting reading progress through encouragement, communication, and collaboration with tutors.
Early intervention with the right support can lead to lifelong reading success.
My Happy Teacher offers certified dyslexia tutors with years of experience supporting students and their families.
If you're ready to help your child become a confident, capable reader, consider working with My Happy Teacher and a certified Wilson tutor. The right support can change everything. 💜
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