Learning Resources 

Jolly Phonics is an internationally recognized synthetic phonics (multi-sensory structured literacy) program that teaches children to read and write by focusing on the main sounds of English. It is designed to support diverse learners—including those with dyslexia—through a structured, multi-sensory approach.

Jolly phonics builds skills for both reading and spelling, Children learn sounds before letter names. Each sound is taught with actions, songs, stories, and visual cues to engage all learning styles. Learners begin reading after just a few sounds and progress through decodable texts. The Jolly Phonics app reinforces the program’s core principles and is available in both UK and US English.

Kelvina's Review:

Jolly Phonics is a fun, effective, and engaging way to teach literacy from Pre-K onward—especially for homeschoolers. My children loved the songs, actions, and stories, which work together to build foundational reading and spelling skills. They were particularly fond of the Jolly Phonics app. 

A friend from the U.K. introduced me to Jolly Phonics shortly after my eldest learner was born, and I will forever be grateful that she shared what she knew with me. Her recommendation shaped the way I approached Pre-K and early literacy at home. It gave my children a joyful, multisensory foundation that I now recognize as being good for all but essential for dyslexic learners. 

All About Spelling & All About Reading are Orton-Gillingham–based programs that help children build strong reading and spelling foundations through clear, step-by-step instruction. Popular among homeschool families, these programs use multisensory lessons that engage sight, sound, and movement to support lasting learning.

Both programs follow a mastery-based approach, allowing learners to progress at their own pace. Concepts are introduced incrementally and reviewed consistently, helping prevent gaps and build confidence. With scripted lessons, hands-on activities, and a strong focus on phonemic awareness and spelling rules, the materials are accessible to both parents and educators.

These programs reflect an understanding of how children with dyslexia and other learning differences thrive when instruction is structured, consistent, and encouraging.

Kelvina's Review:

All About Spelling was recommended to me by members of my homeschool community when I mentioned that my learner was struggling with traditional spelling programs. It was a game changer—long before I knew anything about Orton-Gillingham or structured literacy. The lessons were clear, multisensory, and easy to follow. They gave us a way forward when other approaches had failed.

At that time, All About Reading had not yet been published. Later, I used All About Reading at home with my other learners after Jolly Phonics, even before dyslexia was something I had considered. Looking back, I truly believe that if they had not been introduced to literacy in such a structured, sequential, and cumulative way, their struggles would have been far greater.

These programs reflect exactly the kind of instruction described in Tennessee’s Say Dyslexia law. They are accessible, effective, and designed for learners who need more than rote memorization. I continue to recommend them to families and educators who are looking for tools that make a real difference when implemented with fidelity, especially when access to certified tutors or appropriate training is limited.

The Barton Reading & Spelling System (Bartons) is a well-established Orton-Gillingham based dyslexia-specific instructional curriculum that has been used in homeschool community for over 25 years. Before Kelvina qualified as a dyslexia professional, she used Level 1 of this system with one of her learners, even after qualification she continues to use the system as a resource.

The program is designed for intensive one-to-one or small group instruction. It is a scripted program that is intended to be user friendly. However, as you progress through the levels parents and caregivers may prefer to enlist the services of a certified or experienced Barton tutor to deliver the instruction. Qualified teachers, reading specialists, and interventionists, may find it easier to implement the program with fidelity as the levels increase (there are 10 in all). Each student should complete all ten levels to mastery to ensure remediation. The benefit of this system is that you do not have to be trained in all ten levels before you begin.

A certified dyslexia professional should be able to implement and individualize all levels of the program with fidelity to the Orton-Gillingham approach, once they have completed the training video.

Each level, can cost between $250 and $400, depending on whether it is purchased new or used. This may seem expensive, but for many it is a cost-effective alternative to getting a qualified dyslexia tutor. Qualified dyslexia tutors can cost $60 per hour or more and students will require approximately three sessions per week.  Homeschoolers often purchase the levels as a co-op to minimize the expense for each family. The levels can also be resold after completion to help with the purchase of the next level. 

Barton's is used by school systems around the country and here in Shelby County the Bartlett City Schools RTI interventionists utilize Barton's with students who are identified as having characteristics of dyslexia.

Kelvina's Review:

It works!

Before I became a dyslexia practitioner, I used the Barton Reading and Spelling System along with Rhythm of Handwriting (cursive) to support one of my learners after school and during the summer. These programs are rooted in the Orton-Gillingham approach, which means they are structured, multisensory, and designed to meet the needs of students who struggle with reading and spelling, when implemented with fidelity. They helped us stay on track and build real progress, even before formal intervention was in place.

I still pull from both programs today. They are clear, consistent, and easy to use—even if you are just getting started. If you want to help your learner but cannot connect them with a certified dyslexia tutor right now, Barton and Rhythm of Handwriting are excellent options, when implemented with fidelity. They are designed for families and educators who want to make a real difference.

Nessy was founded by Pat and Mike Jones (watch the short film, Mical, on the helpful videos page to learn more about their story). Nessy are best known as advocates for children with dyslexia around the world. The website provides engaging teaching and learning resources for parents, teachers, and dyslexic learners. However, the Nessy programs are not only for dyslexia. According to the website Nessy is widely used for whole class, phonics, math, typing and early reading instruction. Nessy collaborates with some of the world's leading academics, and follows the Science of Reading, to ensure our programs are based upon proven research. 

Nessy states that its goal is to provide effective learning to all children, at an affordable cost