Barton Reading and Spelling vs. Visualizing and Verbalizing: A Tutor's Perspective

 As a tutor working with students in grades 3-7, I've explored various methods to address diverse learning needs, especially for those with learning gaps, dual language learners, and children with high social and emotional needs. Two programs that have stood out in my practice are the Barton Reading and Spelling System and Nanci Bell's Visualizing and Verbalizing. Here's a comparative look at these two approaches and how they benefit different student populations.

Barton Reading and Spelling System

The Barton Reading and Spelling System is a structured, multi-sensory approach designed primarily for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. It is based on the Orton-Gillingham method, which emphasizes explicit, systematic phonics instruction.

Key Features:

1. Multi-Sensory Learning: Involves visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile pathways to enhance memory and learning of written language.
2. Systematic and Sequential: Lessons are carefully sequenced to build upon previously learned skills, ensuring a solid foundation in phonics, spelling, and reading.
3. Explicit Instruction: Provides direct, clear teaching of phonemic awareness, phonics, and spelling rules.
4. One-on-One Implementation: Typically delivered in a one-on-one setting, which allows for personalized instruction tailored to the student's pace and needs.

Benefits:

• Improved Decoding Skills: Helps students break down and decode words, which is essential for reading fluency.
• Enhanced Spelling: Systematic teaching of spelling rules and patterns improves spelling accuracy.
• Increased Confidence: As students master reading and spelling skills, their confidence in handling written language grows.

Best For:

• Students with dyslexia or significant reading and spelling difficulties.
• Learners who benefit from structured, explicit instruction and a step-by-step approach.

Visualizing and Verbalizing

Nanci Bell's Visualizing and Verbalizing program focuses on developing mental imagery as a basis for language comprehension and critical thinking. It aims to enhance students' ability to visualize and verbalize concepts, improving their overall understanding and recall of information.

Key Features:

1. Mental Imagery: Encourages students to create mental images while processing language, enhancing comprehension and memory.
2. Concept Imaging: Helps students visualize entire concepts, which aids in understanding and recalling detailed information.
3. Interactive Sessions: Involves guided practice in creating and describing mental images, often in one-on-one or small group settings.
4. Adaptable to Various Needs: Can be tailored to support dual language learners and students with social and emotional needs.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Comprehension: Visualization helps students better understand and remember what they read or hear.
• Improved Retention: Creating mental images aids long-term memory, making it easier to recall information.
• Boosted Confidence: Success in visualizing and verbalizing tasks increases self-esteem and encourages active participation.
• Support for Diverse Needs: Structured exercises provide a calming effect, helping students manage anxiety and focus better.

Best For:

• Students with learning gaps who need to improve comprehension and retention.
• Dual language learners who benefit from visual support to understand new vocabulary and grammar.
• Children with high social and emotional needs who require a structured, calming approach to learning.

Conclusion

Both the Barton Reading and Spelling System and Visualizing and Verbalizing offer unique benefits tailored to different learning needs.

• Barton is ideal for students with dyslexia or severe reading and spelling challenges, providing systematic, explicit instruction that builds foundational skills.
• Visualizing and Verbalizing excels in enhancing comprehension, retention, and overall cognitive development through mental imagery, making it beneficial for dual language learners and students with high social and emotional needs.

As a tutor, I find that understanding the specific needs of each student allows me to choose the most appropriate program. Often, a combination of approaches can offer the most comprehensive support, ensuring that every student can unlock their full potential and thrive academically

Resources: 

The Nancibell® Visualizing and Verbalizing® Language Comprehension and Thinking (V/V)

Bartons REading and Spelling System