What a Typical Session Looks Like

When students work in the Wilson Reading System, each session follows a consistent, research-based structure designed to build skills systematically. Each part reinforces the last, so students experience continuous, cumulative progress.

A standard lesson typically runs about 45–60 minutes for most students, though length can vary based on individual needs.

Lessons can be modified when needed based on the student’s performance, energy, or IEP accommodations.

Part 1: Word Study

We start with a quick review of previously learned phonics patterns, letter sounds, and word structures to build automaticity.

Your tutor then introduces a new phonics concept using explicit, multisensory techniques.

Part 2: Spelling

Establish consistent processes to spell words by breaking them into parts.

Develop independent spelling and proofreading skills with word structures that have been taught.

Part 3: Fluency and Comprehension

Improve reading fluency and auditory processing while building decoding, background knowledge, and comprehension.

Core Components of a Reading Session

Each session is divided into three parts, each building on the last.

Part 1: Word Study

• Review of letter combinations and sounds to build automatic, instant recall of letter-sound connections — the foundation of reading.
• Teach and review word structure through reading with specific taught word patterns.
• Develop independent application of single-word reading skills.
• Sentence reading to emphasize vocabulary building, fluency and comprehension.

Part 2: Spelling and Foundational Writing

• Establish consistent processes to spell words by breaking them into parts.
• Develop independent spelling and proofreading skills with word structures that have been taught.

Part 3: Fluency and Comprehension

• Improve reading fluency and auditory processing while building decoding, background knowledge, and comprehension.
• Students engage with text at their instructional level, using graphic organizers to analyze text structure and deepen understanding.
• Build rich vocabulary through context and explicit teaching.
• When students are ready, add explicit writing instruction that reinforces phonics patterns and supports expressive language development.

Visualizing and Verbalizing (V&V) for Comprehension

For students who can decode the words on the page but struggle to understand, remember, or explain what they read, the Visualizing and Verbalizing (V&V) program provides targeted, science of reading-aligned support.

What V&V Is

V&V is a structured program that develops “concept imagery”—the ability to create clear mental pictures for language. By teaching students to visualize what they hear and read, we strengthen the underlying thinking processes that support reading comprehension, written expression, and problem solving.

How It Works

• We begin with simple sentences and pictures, guiding students to describe what they “see in their mind” using precise, organized language.
• Students learn a predictable framework for building mental imagery, including key details about who, what, where, when, and why.
• We gradually increase complexity—from sentences to paragraphs to longer passages—while modeling and practicing how to visualize, verbalize, and check for understanding.
• Throughout, your tutor uses explicit instruction, feedback, and progress monitoring to make sure skills carry over into school reading and writing.

Who V&V Helps

V&V is especially helpful for students who can read the words but have difficulty retelling stories, understanding nonfiction, following directions, or answering “why” and “how” questions. It supports learners with language-based learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, or general comprehension challenges.

What Students Gain

• Stronger comprehension of stories and informational text.
• Improved ability to make inferences, predict, and summarize.
• More organized, detailed oral and written responses.
• Increased confidence when participating in class discussions and completing reading-heavy assignments.

IEP Review & Consultation

In addition to individualized tutoring, Word Builders Tutoring offers IEP review and consultation to ensure that your child’s school plan aligns with evidence-based reading instruction.

What This Service Includes

• A careful review of your child’s IEP, including reading goals, service minutes, accommodations, and progress reports.
• Analysis of whether current goals, instruction, and materials reflect the science of reading and explicit instruction in foundational skills.
• Clear, parent-friendly explanations of what the IEP says and what it means for day-to-day classroom support.
• Specific recommendations you can bring to school teams, including questions to ask and potential adjustments to goals, interventions, and progress monitoring.

How We Advocate With You

As a special education teacher and Wilson-certified reading specialist, your tutor brings both classroom experience and deep knowledge of effective reading intervention. We partner with families to clarify priorities, prepare for meetings, and ensure that school-based supports and private tutoring work together.