Students shared how they have grown through their participation in the Wilson Reading Program.
By Melissa Riker
The Sun
The Shamong School District is shaping improved readers, spellers and writers with the Wilson Reading Program.
District learning consultant on the child study team, Tonia Campbell, said this is an intensive multisensory reading and spelling program for students with difficulties with language-based learning.
This program is used in Indian Mills Elementary School and Indian Mills Memorial School by teachers Kristi Almond, Sam Terry, Ryan McCorristin and Kim Fox, who have received their level one certification to teach the program. The program is used in their classrooms as well as working one-on-one with the students outside of school.
Campbell said she has had the opportunity to observe the program in action during class time and said, “Students have shown tremendous growth in their reading and spelling skills, but also their confidence has grown tremendously.”
She said this is a way to provide a foundation for students to grow into lifelong learners and readers.
Fourth-grade student Morgan Marren has been working one-on-one with Fox since September, and said the program has helped her become a better reader and writer.
“One problem that I used to have was remembering what I just read, with this program, it has taught me ways to remember the story I read,” Marren said. “The Wilson Reading Program has given me more confidence in myself.”
Similarly, fourth-grade student Kevin Stickel has been working one-on-one with Terry since September, and has learned how to break down words and sound them out.
“I used to have a lot of trouble sounding out words, but now I can sound out both one- and two-syllable words,” Stickel said. “The Wilson Program is preparing me for middle school. I was very behind on my spelling and writing. Working with Mrs. Terry has given me the tools to read, write and spell more fluently. This will help me start middle school on the right foot.”
Fifth-grade student Luke Sharrott is a student in Almond’s class, who was diagnosed with dyslexia the summer before starting second grade. Soon after, he began the program and said although spelling, reading and writing can still be challenging, he has improved greatly through the program.
“Before I was diagnosed I couldn’t remember letters and couldn’t read. I was frustrated and angry,” Sharrott said. “I enjoy reading more now. I ended fourth grade with straight A’s and have now made honor roll.”
Sharrott said having dyslexia has made him a hard worker, and he serves as an ambassador in a peer mentoring program with other students with dyslexia.
Tatum Walsh is also a student in Almond’s fifth-grade class and has been a part of the program since she was in third grade. She said that after being a part of the program for two years she gets better grades on her spelling tests and she comprehends words better now.
“It is not easy, but if you stay focused you can do it. Wilson’s [program] made reading more enjoyable for me,” Walsh said.
Superintendent Christine Vespe showed appreciation toward all educators and students involved in the program.
“A special thank you to our teachers who deliver this with passion every day,” Vespe said. “It’s amazing to watch when you go into the classroom and observe and see what the children are doing and learning.”
