The Barton Teaching Method provides a highly organized, evidence-based approach to helping students with dyslexia. Susan Barton designed this program to empower learners by systematically teaching them skills that will improve their reading and writing abilities. Based on Orton-Gillingham’s principles, the method employs a multisensory, direct, and explicit approach that addresses the fundamental issues that lead to reading and spelling difficulties.
This article explores the Barton teaching method’s multisensory instructions, scope, and sequence, and its impact on student learning. It offers a Barton reading and spelling system overview while emphasizing its effectiveness in fostering long-term literacy growth.
Multisensory Approach To Learning
Barton’s Teaching Method uses multisensory instructions that simultaneously engage the visual and auditory pathways. Students do more than just read and listen to words. They also write and speak them and use-colored blocks or letter tiles to help them develop phonemic knowledge. This integrated sensory experience can help students with dyslexia build stronger neural connections.
The one-on-one format makes this a highly personal experience. Tutors work one-on-one with each student, providing immediate feedback. Additionally, they can modify the learning tempo as necessary. This personalized support fosters a safe, supportive learning environment for students. They can gain confidence and master new skills without worrying about failure or comparison.
Construction From The Ground Up: The Scope And Sequence
The Barton Reading and Spelling System, divided into 10 progressive stages, focuses on a unique set of phonological and orthographic rules. Students begin by focusing on Level 1, a foundational ability often overlooked by struggling students. They then move on to lessons in sound-letter correspondences.
Here is a summary of the scope and order of operation for this system:
- Level 1: Phonemic Awareness
- Level 3: Short Vowels and Consonants
- Level 3: Unit Syllables
- Level 4: Multi-Syllable Words and Vowel Team
- Level 5-10: Complex Spelling Rules, Prefixes & Suffixes. Latin Roots & Greek Elements
Each level contains several lessons and a mastery check to ensure the student is ready to advance. The program does NOT rely upon a predetermined timeline. Instead, progress is based solely on demonstrated competency.
The Structured Steps And The Lesson Components
Barton lessons follow a clear, step-by-step format to maintain consistency. Instruction begins by reviewing material already learned. Next, a teaching section and guided practice are followed by independent application. Toolkits such as color-coded tile letters, tapping strategy, and verbal repeating reinforce concepts.
This structure teaches new skills; it reinforces, automates, and consolidates previously acquired knowledge. The system reinforces what students have learned, allowing them to apply it in increasingly complex scenarios.
Barton’s system is also scripted, making it easy for non-specialist educators and parents to use. This has enabled homeschoolers and intervention programs to successfully implement the method.
Research And Reports On Student Success
Barton Teaching Method has produced promising results in students who struggled before with traditional classrooms. A number of anecdotal stories and case studies have highlighted improved reading fluency and spelling accuracy. This program is a turning point for many, particularly for students who had been misidentified or missed in general education.
Barton is a system that helps close longstanding gaps in literacy. Students are not only able to improve their test scores but also develop a love of reading and writing, often for the very first time. Parents and educators have reported reduced frustrations, fewer behavioral problems associated with academic stress, and improved self-esteem.
Though larger quantitative studies are in progress, smaller evaluations found that Barton children significantly improved their reading comprehension. Due to early and effective intervention, Barton Method-integrated schools see fewer special education referrals.
Conclusion
Barton Teaching Method provides hope for struggling students with reading and spelling challenges. With its multisensory teaching method, carefully sequenced lessons, and documented stories of student success, it is now a well-respected tool for tutors, educators, and parents alike.
By addressing the root causes of reading struggles—particularly phonological processing weaknesses—the program teaches students not only how to decode words but also how to understand and use language effectively. Barton provides a structured, research-aligned literacy pathway for those looking to master the subject.