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When you have a child with dyslexia, does it sometimes feel like you need a miracle?
You’ve exhausted all avenues, but you can’t give up—because it’s your child.
Your child can’t read or spell. The school system has let him down and it feels like the world has let him down—but you won’t let him down. Even so, a miracle would be nice because you don’t know what to do next.
If you have ever felt the desperation that comes from watching your child fail in such a critical subject area, and if you have ever feared for your child’s future, then you will relate to this story. I know I did.
Hannah’s* story shows the strength of a mother’s love for her child. Whether your child has dyslexia or not, there are powerful lessons to be learned and poignant reminders that you can’t give up on your kids, no matter what others may say.
My son is the kindest and most honest and selfless child I know. He has taught me more about this world than I could have ever taught him. Yet with all these amazing qualities, he never excelled in school. From the very first day, school was a nightmare. He absolutely dreaded going and would cry and beg not to go. He struggled in all his subjects, but mainly reading and spelling.
His learning diminished. He lost all motivation for learning and doubted his abilities to do anything. Any time spelling or reading was presented to him, it became a battle of wills. He would instantly shut down, and it would become a power struggle even to get him to write his spelling words, let alone try to read them. Of course, all of this left my son with low self-esteem.
Our road to finding All About Spelling was a hard one. From reading and spelling intervention classes, special needs class, misdiagnoses, and even being told that my child had reached his learning potential at the age of 10—we faced so many trials. As his parent, I was angry, confused, and heartbroken. I didn’t understand why his teachers couldn’t see the child I saw. I knew he had more in him. I knew he could learn, but at the same time, I also knew something was wrong. He didn’t read like other kids his age. That’s when I decided to homeschool.
I tried a few spelling programs and found that most shared the same approach—repetitively writing the words or building word pyramids. These approaches did not work for us and I was not impressed. After my son was diagnosed with dyslexia, I began to learn more about dyslexia and how the brain of a dyslexic person interprets information. All the horrible years at school began to make perfect sense. I started searching for curriculum that worked for dyslexic children. That’s when I found All About Spelling. When I opened the teacher’s manual, there were no repetitive lists, no pyramids. The layout was easy. It was structured but flexible. All I had to do was follow the steps.
Now we have been avid AAS users for three years and the progress my son has made is indescribable. For him, spelling is a complex process. But AAS gives him the tools he needs to succeed.
The AAS phonograms app taught him to recognize the correct sounds of letters. Letter tiles gave him physical letters to refer to. He didn’t have to rely on straight memory, and he could focus on one letter and one sound at a time. The Key Cards are like a “safe base” for him. They make the spelling rules simple and easy to remember.
I don’t know that I can truly convey all the things AAS has done for our family. But I can convey the joy I feel when I see my son learning—when he spells a word on the board, jumbles up the letters, and then stops himself and says, “Wait, Mom.” I can hear him whispering and repeating one of the memorized key cards to himself. Then he self-corrects the misspelled word. No frustration, no overwhelmed feeling, just confidence. That feeling is priceless.
All About Spelling not only helped my son learn to spell, it gave him confidence in himself again—confidence that he had lost so many years before. It gave him the reassurance that with the right approach he could spell and read. To have witnessed the change in him leaves me in awe.
Hannah and her son’s story is almost overwhelming to me, and not just because of the similarities to my own story. What if she hadn’t taken matters into her own hands and intervened? Where would her son be in five years? Ten years?
Without literacy, the chances of achieving a positive outcome—a happy, well-adjusted man—are not very good. But instead of accepting what others believed was inevitable, Hannah turned the tide, and now she sees her son’s growing confidence, his increasing skills, and his handsome smile.
THIS is the reason I continue to write and teach every day. Thanks for sharing your journey with us, Hannah!
Did you enjoy Hannah’s story? Read more stories in our Real Moms, Real Kids series.
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*To preserve the privacy of the child featured in this story, we did not use the family’s real names.
jo-tea
says:I appreciate the first-hand parent/student experiences working with AAS and AAR for those with differentiated learning needs. It helps me see potential and opportunity for my child after so many years of failed school learning.
Robin
says: Customer ServiceI’m glad this is encouraging for you.
Both All About Reading and All About Spelling are Orton-Gillingham based, which is a proven approach for helping students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. It’s also the approach that the International Dyslexia Association recommends. The author of AAR and AAS, Marie Rippel, is a member of the International Dyslexia Association and has instructed graduate level courses in Orton-Gillingham Literacy Training offered through Nicolet College in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. She has previously served on the Board of Directors of the Literacy Task Force in Wisconsin and tutored students for more than 20 years. If you haven’t had a chance to watch their story about her son’s struggles, you may want to check that out (they were told he would never read). It’s quite amazing!
You might like to visit our Dyslexia Resources Page.
Here are some ways that All About Reading and All About Spelling can help kids with learning difficulties:
– Each lesson time is simple and explicit and will include 3 simple steps: the review of what was learned the day before, a simple new teaching, and a short practice of that new teaching.
– Incremental lessons. AAR and AAS break every teaching down into its most basic steps and then teach the lessons in a logical order, carrying students from one concept or skill to the next. Each step builds on what the student has already mastered.
– AAR and AAS are multisensory. Research has shown that when a child is taught through all three pathways at the same time, a method known as simultaneous multisensory instruction, he will learn significantly more than when taught only through his strongest pathway.
– AAR and AAS use specially color-coded letter tiles. Working with the letter tiles can make the difference between understanding or not understanding a concept.
– AAR and AAS are scripted so you can concentrate on your child. The script is very clear, without excess verbiage.
– AAR and AAS have built-in review in every lesson. Children with learning difficulties generally need lots of review to retain concepts. With AAR and AAS, your child will have a Review Box so you can customize the review. This way, you can concentrate on just the things that your child needs help with, with no time wasted on reviewing things that your child already knows. This video shows how the review box is used.
– All About Reading has lots of fluency practice. One of the things that Marie noticed when she was researching reading programs is that few programs have enough review built in for kids who struggle to gain fluency. AAR has fluency sheets or a story to be read with every lesson, so children can practice reading smoothly with expression and confidence.
– All About Spelling has a gradual progression for increasing the student’s stamina and fluency in writing, from words and short phrases in Level 1, to phrases and short sentences in Level 2, to 12 dictation sentences per step in Level 3. Partway through Level 3, the Writing Station activity is introduced. In this exercise, students write sentences of their own that they make up using some of their spelling words. In this way students have begun to use words in a more real-world context through dictation and writing, to help them transition to longer writing assignments.
All About Reading and All About Spelling have a one-year “Go Ahead and Use It” guarantee. If the program does not meet your needs, return it at any time within one year of purchase for a full refund of your purchase price, excluding shipping, even if the materials are used. We never want anyone to feel “stuck” with their purchase and want you to feel free to really try the program!
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have additional questions.
Nikki Mathers
says:My family is so excited to try AAS and AAR. My son is dyslexic and we are hoping this program will be the key to unlocking his potential.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceIf you haven’t seen it already, you may find our Dyslexia Resources page very helpful, Nikki. Let me know if you have any questions or need help with placement or anything else.
Tiffiny
says:I am trying to teach 7 students all in different levels how to read and trying to individualize to each student. What do you think would be the most helpful to encourage a thinker reader or exercises to do that would boost confidence in a student who was reading better and has regressed a little when seeing others excel?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceTiffiny,
When dealing with a student that seems to be disappointed in their own reading, it is very helpful to pull out things that he or she read a few months or a year ago. When a book they previously found challenging is now super easy, it’s very encouraging! When we teach reading, we continue to add more difficulty so that students are always learning. However, for some children this can feel like reading is always hard and they are never getting better. Rereading a book from long ago can help them to see their own progress.
I hope this helps some. Let me know if you have additional questions or need ideas for your other students.
Kelly
says:Hello, Is it possible to use this program effectively online with a student virtually?
Thank you!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceKelly,
There are those successfully using All About Reading and All About Spelling to tutor online. Here are some considerations:
All About Reading and All About Spelling must be taught through live, interactive lessons. They can’t be pre-recorded lessons.
For reading, students who work with online tutors need to have their own copy of the Activity Book and Readers, and their tutors need to have a complete copy of all materials. This way students can read and the tutor can follow along and help with their reading or instruct as needed.
For spelling, students who work with online tutors need to have their own Student Packet and a set of Letter Tiles or the Letter Tiles App, and their tutors need to have a complete copy of all materials. This way students can practice spelling concepts as needed, and teachers can oversee the student to ensure that they are pronouncing the phonograms correctly, segmenting correctly, and pulling down the corresponding tiles.
Short, frequent lessons are generally best for the student’s long-term retention, so if you plan to meet with the student less than 3 times per week, we recommend that the parent also has the Teacher’s Manual in order to provide support and instruction on non-teaching days.
Please let me know if you have additional questions.
Julie Bolin
says:Great to know this works with Dyslexia!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceJulie,
Yes. Both All About Reading and All About Spelling are Orton-Gillingham based. This is a proven approach for helping students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities.
Marie Rippel, author and creator of the programs, is a member of the International Dyslexia Association and has instructed graduate-level courses in Orton-Gillingham Literacy Training offered through Nicolet College in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. She is also a member of Pro Literacy, has previously served on the Board of Directors of the Literary Task Force in Wisconsin, and tutored students for more than 20 years. Marie’s son is severely dyslexic, and being told by experts that he would never learn to read led directly to her creating All About Reading and All About Spelling. You can see a short video about her son’s story, Failure is Not an Option.
Loreen G
says:Have I told you how much I love you guys? ?. You saved us, you really did, and I will be forever grateful for your spelling and reading curriculums. Thank you ?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceAwww, thank you, Loreen! Thank you for being such a great fan of All About Reading and All About Spelling!
Jennifer
says:Thank you so much for sharing your story, I am researching options for spelling and every story is like a stone on a path.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m glad this was helpful for you, Jennifer. If you have any questions or need more information, just let me know.
Melanie
says:Thank-you so much for your story. We are just starting AAR 1 with my dyslexic son. I’m so excited to start this journey. Your story gives me hope!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m glad to hear this was encouraging for you, Melanie!
Rachel A Bennett
says:I understand every aspect of your story, it has been the same for me and my daughter. Thank you so much for sharing
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Rachel. I hope this story is an encouragement to the many families that struggle with dyslexia.
Kristi
says:We had tried a few different programs for reading with our dyslexic son and nothing was really working. I got the AAS to help with spelling since it was so bad. It worked to improve his reading and spelling.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m so pleased to hear that All About Spelling has worked to help your son in both spelling and reading, Kristi!
Erin Pasco (Canada)
says:I love this program so far. We have been using the spelling and reading program for 2 weeks now. My daughter and son both seem to be liking it and I’m noticing a difference with them. Thank you.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m so excited to hear that you are already noticing a difference, Erin! Thank you for letting us know.
Karen
says:Thanks for assisting in ideas for learning challenges. Even children that are not diagnosed with this challenge can benefit.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou are welcome, Karen.
Destiny H Vanderslice
says:This article gives me so much more insight to help my six year old!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m glad you found this helpful, Destiny! If you have any questions or need anything, please let me know.
Monica Lara
says:Thank you so much for sharing!
Brooke Welch
says:Amazing resource..Thanks for sharing this story.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Brooke.
Sally Chancellor
says:We suspect my oldest has dyslexia, and this has really helped her.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m glad to hear that this has helped your daughter, Sally! ?
Kristen
says:Thank you for sharing this story ❤️
Jenny
says:A child’s confidence is SO important when it comes to learning!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI very much agree, Jenny! ?
Jennifer Curley
says:I’ll definitely be looking into this program. While our daughter isn’t dyslexic, she does have Down syndrome, which presents its own learning challenges.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceJennifer,
Yes, Down Syndrome does have its own challenges with learning. Have you seen our Real Moms, Real Kids: All About Reading and Down Syndrome blog post?
Kassi
says:This is a very encouraging story. Our dyslexic child has gained so much confidence since using your programs. I am so grateful!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m so pleased to hear that your child has gained confidence with All About Reading and All About Spelling, Kassi! That’s wonderful! Keep up the excellent work.
R. Babcock
says:I have 2 sons who are dyslexic. I am thrilled I found your website.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI’m glad you have found this helpful! We also have a Dyslexia Resources page I think you will find helpful too. Let me know if you have any questions or need more information.
Elyse Riech :)
says:I have a 10 yr old son who is Dyslexic, we tried games, tutors, even that Abc mouse thing,we tried the AAS program and he is a different child now. he is learning and liking it. Our oldest son Chase whose 14 was reading your article and told my husband and I to try it out Now every monday when the kids get the weekly spelling test words. he spends time working with Mark using this program and last week Mark brought home his first 100% on his spelling test and he’s still smiling. thank you your a lifesaver.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceOh, Elyse, this is so wonderful! I am so happy to hear how well your son is doing, but even more excited that he is learning to like learning! That is such a huge thing. And how wonderful that your son Chase is using All About Spelling to help his brother succeed with spelling. They must be so close.
Congratulations, Mark, on that 100%! Keep up the excellent work!
Virginia Donaldson
says:WOW! That is so encouraging and motivating.
LibertyMom
says:Thank you for sharing this story. My daughter is struggling with reading and we love AAR curriculum. I’m seeing progress, but sometimes I feel overwhelmed because I want us to be farther along than we are. I’m so happy to have found a reading program that works and keeps my daughter moving towards literacy.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceLibertyMom,
I understand that feeling of wanting your child to move faster and not being able to do so. But it does work out. With all the struggles we’ve had through the years, I look around and am sometimes shocked to see all my kids happily reading on grade level or higher. Your daughter will get there too! Slow, steady, and consistent do win the race!
Kylie
says:I’m so grateful to Hannah for sharing her story. It’s heartening to see other care givers who refuse to lose sight of all their children are capable of even in the face of programs and systems that say otherwise.
Thank you so much Robin for your dedication, belief and hard work. Everything you share has provided so much guidance and reassurance for those who are anxious and overwhelmed by one of the most important gifts they can give their children; love and literacy.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you, Kylie. I have been through the anxiety and overwhelmed feelings myself, and it is such a blessing for me to be able to help others help their children succeed as I and others like Hannah have done!
Kylie
says:… and understanding
Brittany
says:We are finishing up Level 1 in AAR and are excited to start Level 1 in AAS next school year! My daughter hated reading but has fallen in love thanks to this program.
Christine
says:This is me!
Julie Worden
says:I purchased AAS for my children, but my spelling has greatly improved as a result of working through the program with my kids. We love AAS!
Alyssa Long
says:That’s awesome!
Beth
says:? I have a daughter who struggles with spelling, and AAS saved us last year when nothing else was working no amount of school testing was helping answer our questions. But AAS made sure she understood why the words are spelled the way they are. Like I keep telling her, we do this for her, not for me. I want her to have confidence in her work!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceBeth,
I am sorry that daughter struggles with spelling, but am very pleased to read that All About Spelling is making a difference for her!