Structured literacy for dyslexia with Slingerland
How does Slingerland work?
The progression begins with the smallest unit of sight, sound, and feel - the letter/grapheme - and advances to more complex structures of words, phrases, and sentences.
Every lesson builds on the last in a clear, step-by-step sequence and is personalized to support each student’s unique learning needs.
The Slingerland lesson format
The Slingerland lesson format activates the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-motor channels simultaneously, promoting successful multi-sensory integration through:
explicit handwriting instruction supporting the foundation of strong kinesthetic-motor skills
vocabulary and oral expression development through the routine Question of the day
decoding practice
structured reading & comprehension
auditory spelling & dictation
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Handwriting instruction
Handwriting instruction in both manuscript and cursive is integral to the Slingerland method. Handwriting is essential in developing spelling and reading skills. The cognitive process of linking the visual letters with the physical act of writing is called an orthographic loop, and is crucial for reading fluency and automaticity.
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Visual cards and decoding
The visual component of Slingerland includes visual card practice and decoding activities, while simultaneously engaging the tactile-kinesthetic and auditory modalities through the physical act of forming letters in the air and linking them to letter names and letter sounds. It also includes structured reading with comprehension activities.
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Auditory spelling
Spelling practice in Slingerland involves translating spoken sounds into visual symbols (letter cards) and reinforcing them through kinesthetic activities—writing letters in the air, on the whiteboard, and on paper. Students practice isolating individual sounds and learn multiple spelling patterns.