If Reading Isn’t Improving, This Overlooked Skill Might Be Why

Integrating Reading and Spelling Instruction Matters More Than You Think

If your child has dyslexia or struggles with reading and writing, it’s easy to feel like the solution is just more reading practice. More phonics, more decoding drills, more time.

But what if something else is quietly holding back their reading progress?Something that often gets overlooked?

Spelling.

And no, we’re not talking about memorizing weekly word lists or cramming for Friday’s test. We’re talking about explicit, structured encoding instruction—the kind that teaches students how to build words sound by sound and pattern by pattern using the same skills they’re developing to read.

This kind of spelling instruction is more than just helpful. According to research, it’s essential, especially for students with dyslexia.

Let’s look at why spelling might be the missing link in your child’s reading journey and how combining reading and spelling instruction can lead to real, lasting progress.

Why Spelling Isn’t Just Extra — It’s a Core Part of Reading

Reading and Spelling Go Hand in Hand

Reading is decoding. It means taking letters on a page and turning them into spoken words.

Spelling is encoding. It means taking sounds and turning them into written words.

They rely on the same brain processes, just moving in opposite directions.

When spelling is treated as an afterthought or skipped entirely, children miss a valuable opportunity to reinforce what they are learning in reading. Spelling gives students a second and often deeper look at how sounds connect to letters, how word patterns are formed, and how English actually works.

For students with dyslexia, this kind of instruction is especially powerful. Spelling helps solidify phonics, syllable patterns, morphology, and those tricky irregular words in a way that reading alone often can’t.

What the Research Says (And Why It Matters)

A comprehensive research review by Weiser and Mathes (2011) looked at 16 high-quality studies on spelling instruction in students at risk for reading failure.

Here’s what they found:

• Students who received explicit encoding instruction didn’t just get better at spelling. They also improved in reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension.
  

• Spelling helped reinforce phoneme-grapheme associations (the links between sounds and letters), which led to stronger reading outcomes.
  

• These gains were especially strong for students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties.

Bottom line? Spelling instruction doesn’t just help with spelling—it strengthens reading too.

Why Encoding Helps Struggling Readers More Than Decoding Alone

Decoding can sometimes be a passive skill. Students may rely on guessing or only partially recognizing a word.

Encoding, on the other hand, is active.

It forces the brain to:

• Hear individual sounds (phonemes)
  

• Connect those sounds to letters (graphemes)
  

• Recall patterns
  

• Apply spelling rules and generalizations

This kind of deep processing builds stronger, more lasting literacy skills. It also makes it easier for students to apply what they’ve learned to real reading and writing.

Why Reading and Spelling Should Be Taught Together

Here’s a key finding from the research:

Spelling instruction is most effective when it’s integrated with decoding instruction—not taught separately.

This means students don’t just read a word like “jumped” in a passage. They also spell it in a sentence.

When reading and spelling use the same phonics patterns, morphemes (such as -ed or -ing), and irregular words, students build literacy skills they can apply both in the classroom and in everyday reading and writing.

This kind of integration is central to structured literacy approaches, including Orton–Gillingham-based programs like Wilson Reading System®. It is one of the reasons these methods are so effective for students with dyslexia.

Structured Spelling Beats Word Lists Every Time

If your child is coming home with weekly spelling words they’ve never read, can’t pronounce, and will forget by Friday, there’s a reason it’s not working.

The most effective spelling instruction is:

• Explicit (clearly taught)
  

• Systematic (follows a logical sequence)
  

• Connected to phonics, morphology, and syllable rules
  

• Practiced in words, phrases, and full sentences
  

It’s not just about memorizing. It’s about understanding how words are built, used, and written in real life.

How to Spot Gaps in Your Child’s Instruction

Wondering if your child is getting the kind of spelling support research recommends? Ask these questions:

✔️ Are reading and spelling taught using the same phonics patterns and word parts?

✔️ Is spelling practiced in phrases and sentences, not just word lists?

✔️ Does instruction include teaching irregular words and spelling rules explicitly?

✔️ Are morphology and word endings (like -s, -ed, -ing) introduced early and reviewed often?

If not, your child may be missing out on one of the most powerful tools in the literacy toolbox.

Final Thoughts: Spelling Is a Superpower—Not a Side Skill

Skipping spelling instruction might seem like a small thing. But for students with dyslexia, it can be a big roadblock.

Reading and spelling go hand in hand. When they are taught together, they create a stronger, more lasting foundation for literacy success.

If your child is working hard but reading still feels like a struggle, don’t just double down on decoding. Instead, ask: Are they getting the spelling instruction they need to truly thrive?

Let’s Work Together to Support Your Child

As a licensed Reading Specialist and Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner, I work with students in grades 2–12 who struggle with reading and spelling—both in the U.S. and internationally.

I know how hard it can be to watch your child put in the effort but still feel stuck. You’re not alone in this. With the right tools, support, and approach, real progress is possible.

If you're looking for guidance or just want to talk through next steps, I'm here to help.

📍 Visit SuccessfulDyslexiaTutoring.com

📬 Or connect with me on LinkedIn

About the Author

Hi, I’m Heidi. I am a licensed Reading Specialist and a Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in education. Since 2022, I have been supporting children with dyslexia and spelling challenges both online and in person through private practice, working with students in grades 2–12 in the United States and with international school students around the world.

My goal is to make this journey less overwhelming and more empowering for families, helping children gain confidence and success in reading and spelling.

Research and References 

1. Weiser, B. L., & Mathes, P. G. (2011). Using Encoding Instruction to Improve the Reading and Spelling Performances of Elementary Students at Risk for Literacy Difficulties: A Best-Evidence Synthesis

Summary: Found that explicit, structured spelling (encoding) instruction not only improves spelling outcomes but also boosts reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension—especially when integrated with decoding instruction.

2. Moats, L. C. (2005). How Spelling Supports Reading: And Why It Is More Regular and Predictable Than You May Think

Summary: Explains how spelling reveals the structure of language and helps students internalize phonics, morphology, and vocabulary—critical for students with dyslexia.

3. Graham, S., & Santangelo, T. (2014). Does Spelling Instruction Make Students Better Spellers, Readers, and Writers? A Meta-Analytic Review

Summary: A wide-ranging analysis that showed spelling instruction significantly improves students’ overall literacy—including reading and writing skills.

4. Ehri, L. C. (2000). Learning to Read and Learning to Spell Are One and the Same, Almost

Summary: Demonstrates that spelling and reading are deeply connected. Teaching spelling helps children remember and recognize written words, which boosts reading fluency.

5. National Reading Panel (2000).Teaching Children to Read: An Evidence-Based Assessment of the Scientific Research Literature

Summary: Reinforces the importance of systematic phonics and acknowledges the value of including spelling (encoding) as part of a comprehensive reading program.