Bridging the Gap for Dyslexic Readers: From Pronunciation Symbols to Readable English

A recent instructional report by Dr. Shawn Anthony Robinson from the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Wei LAB shines a powerful spotlight on a time-honored, yet underutilized, tool for helping students with dyslexia: pronunciation symbols, like those found in Merriam-Webster’s dictionaries. The study demonstrates how, for struggling readers, these visual markers aren’t just academic ornamentation; they are a lifeline that demystifies the complex code of English and makes multisyllabic words suddenly approachable.

Why Pronunciation Symbols Matter in Dyslexia Instruction

Traditional English orthography is riddled with inconsistencies, a frustrating maze for any learner, but especially so for students with dyslexia who may have phonological processing issues. Dr. Robinson’s research underscores that using a consistent system of pronunciation symbols, such as those in trusted resources like Merriam-Webster, provides powerful scaffolding. These symbols:

• Reduce cognitive load: Students are relieved from the mental load of decoding irregular spellings and unpredictable sound-symbol correspondences.

• Make the abstract concrete: By giving clear, visual cues of the letter-sound correspondences, students gain explicit entry points into reading complex words—especially important for decoding unfamiliar or academic vocabulary.

• Encourage engagement and confidence: Particularly for older students who may have disengaged after years of difficulty with reading, the scaffold invites both curiosity and a sense of attainable mastery.

This method fits neatly into structured literacy methods and the broader Science of Reading framework, both of which stress explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, decoding, and word recognition for dyslexia intervention.

Readable English: Taking the Principle Further for Every Reader and Every Text

While Dr. Robinson’s report powerfully validates the value of pronunciation symbols, Readable English builds on that insight by creating a complete, accessible reading solution that integrates phonetic support into every aspect of reading instruction. This transforms it from a tool for specialist lessons into a universal, daily support.

Phonetic Mark-Up, Elegantly Integrated

Unlike dictionary pronunciation symbols that appear only in specialized contexts and require learners to consult a separate resource, Readable English overlays phonetic cues directly onto standard English spelling. The original spelling remains intact, preserving visual word recognition, while the markup provides real-time decoding support exactly where it’s needed.

This enables students to access grade-level content immediately, while giving them the tools to decode words accurately and confidently. 

By enabling independent word reading right away, Readable English accelerates orthographic mapping—the internal process through which readers begin to store word patterns in long-term memory for effortless future recognition. As students repeatedly encounter words with the support of the markup, they begin to internalize the spelling-sound relationships and build automaticity.

And here’s the key: over time, as orthographic memory grows, students naturally outgrow the need for the markup. They begin to decode and recognize new, unfamiliar words on their own. That is the power of self-teaching—a process where readers expand their vocabulary independently, long after the scaffold has been removed.

A Full Reading Program Rooted in Lindamood-Bell & Backed by Science

In addition to the phonetic cues, an entire reading program has been built around the markup. Inspired by proven approaches like Lindamood-Bell and grounded in the Science of Reading, Readable English reinforces the essential elements of the reading process—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. This comprehensive approach ensures that while the markup eliminates decoding barriers, students are simultaneously developing the full range of foundational skills - creating a clear, coordinated path to lasting reading success.

Technology that Brings Access to Every Learner

A support system is only effective if students can consistently use it across the materials they encounter. That’s why we’ve also developed conversion technology that instantly transforms any digital or print-based text into the Readable English format. Whether it’s a passage from high-quality instructional materials (HQIM), core curriculum, homework, or a favorite book, students can access the text with the embedded phonetic support - no need to wait for specially adapted resources.

Empowering Teachers and Students

Our digital platform makes it easy for educators to convert new texts instantly, monitor progress, and individualize supports for each learner’s needs. This bridges the gap between research and classroom reality, letting students see themselves not as “stuck” or “behind,” but as readers who can access any word in print.

Summary

Dr. Robinson’s University of Wisconsin instructional report is a timely reminder: the right visual supports can play a pivotal role in unlocking literacy for students with dyslexia. Readable English takes this concept and brings it to life: embedding phonetic transparency into real-world texts, backed by a full, science-aligned instructional program, and supported by technology that makes the method accessible to every learner and every educator By transforming static pronunciation support into a living, dynamic system, we’re ensuring that the complexity of English spelling need never be a barrier, helping all students become confident, independent readers in every discipline.

Want to see how Readable English can open doors for your students? Contact us for a demonstration or to learn more.