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What Is Visualizing and Verbalizing? How It Improves Reading Comprehension

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Imagine your child sits down to read a page from their school book. They read every word correctly. Their pronunciation is perfect. But when you ask them what the passage was about, they look at you blankly. They have no idea.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Many parents describe exactly this situation — a child who can read the words on the page but cannot understand or remember what they have read. It is one of the most frustrating and misunderstood reading difficulties a child can face.

The good news is that there is a specific, proven program designed to address this exact problem. It is called Visualizing and Verbalizing — and at The Learnability, it is one of the most powerful tools we use to help children unlock true reading comprehension.

What Is the Visualizing and Verbalizing Program?

Visualizing and Verbalizing — often referred to as V&V — is a structured literacy and language comprehension program developed by Nanci Bell at Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes. It is based on the understanding that strong reading comprehension depends on the ability to create vivid mental images of what you read or hear.

When a fluent reader reads a passage, their brain automatically creates a kind of mental movie — images, scenes, characters, and events that bring the text to life. This process happens so naturally for strong readers that they rarely think about it. But for children who struggle with comprehension, this mental imagery is weak or absent entirely.

Without the ability to visualise what they are reading, children process text as a string of disconnected words rather than a meaningful whole. They may recall isolated facts but miss the bigger picture. They may struggle to make inferences, follow a story, or answer comprehension questions — not because they are not intelligent, but because a specific cognitive skill has not been developed.

The Visualizing and Verbalizing program directly teaches and develops this skill. To see how it fits within our broader range of support, visit our Visualizing and Verbalizing service page.

What Causes Poor Reading Comprehension?

Reading comprehension difficulties can have several underlying causes. Understanding the root cause is essential before choosing the right intervention — which is why we always carry out a thorough assessment at The Learnability before recommending a program.

Weak Concept Imagery

Concept imagery is the ability to create a whole mental picture from language — to visualise a scene, situation, or idea based on words alone. Children with weak concept imagery can process individual words and facts but cannot integrate them into a meaningful whole. This is the primary target of the Visualizing and Verbalizing program.

Decoding Difficulties

Sometimes comprehension suffers because a child is spending so much mental energy decoding words that they have nothing left for understanding meaning. In these cases, improving decoding through programs like our Orton-Gillingham tutoring or Wilson Reading System may also be necessary alongside V&V.

Language Processing Difficulties

Some children have broader difficulties processing and understanding spoken or written language. The Visualizing and Verbalizing program addresses this too — it works with both oral language comprehension and written text comprehension, making it effective for children with a range of language-based learning difficulties.

Signs Your Child May Need Visualizing and Verbalizing

  • Reads accurately but cannot explain what they have read
  • Struggles to answer comprehension questions even on simple texts
  • Cannot retell a story or sequence events after reading
  • Has difficulty following multi-step instructions
  • Struggles to make inferences or read between the lines
  • Finds it hard to remember what they have read shortly after finishing
  • Cannot visualise or describe scenes from books
  • Has difficulty understanding humour, sarcasm, or implied meaning

If several of these signs are present, we encourage you to contact The Learnability for a consultation. Our specialists can help identify whether weak concept imagery is at the root of your child's comprehension difficulties.

How Does the Visualizing and Verbalizing Program Work?

The Visualizing and Verbalizing program works by systematically developing a student's ability to create mental images from language. It progresses through a structured sequence of steps, beginning with simple single words and gradually building toward complex written passages.

Step 1 — Picture to Picture

The program begins with concrete images. Students look at a picture, describe what they see in detail, and practise the language of description — colours, shapes, sizes, movement, mood. This builds the vocabulary and mental framework for visualisation before moving to words alone.

Step 2 — Word Imaging

Students visualise individual words and describe the mental pictures those words create. A word like "ocean" might generate an image of waves, colours, movement, and sound. Students learn to notice and describe the sensory details of their mental images, making them richer and more vivid.

Step 3 — Sentence Imaging

Students move from individual words to sentences, practising creating a mental image for each sentence and describing it in detail. The tutor asks structured questions — What do you see? What colour? What size? What is happening? — to help students develop increasingly detailed and accurate mental images.

Step 4 — Sentence by Sentence to Whole Paragraph

Students begin reading connected text and practising visualisation in real time. They read a sentence, form a mental image, describe it, then add the next sentence to the image — building a continuously updating mental movie as they read. Over time this process becomes more automatic and less effortful.

Step 5 — Reading Connected Text

Students apply their developing visualisation skill to longer passages, chapters, and texts. Comprehension, recall, and the ability to answer questions all improve as concept imagery strengthens. Students begin to genuinely understand and engage with what they read rather than simply decoding words on a page.

Throughout the program, the multisensory, language-rich approach ensures students are actively engaged in every session. This is consistent with the approach taken across all of our programs at The Learnability, including our Seeing Stars program and Lindamood-Bell based programs.

Who Is the Visualizing and Verbalizing Program For?

The Visualizing and Verbalizing program is suitable for children, teenagers, and adults who have comprehension difficulties affecting their reading, listening, or learning. It is most commonly used with:

  • Children who read accurately but have poor comprehension
  • Students with dyslexia who also struggle to understand what they read
  • Children with language processing difficulties
  • Students with autism spectrum disorder who have difficulty with inferencing and language comprehension
  • Children with ADHD who struggle to sustain attention and follow meaning while reading
  • Students with auditory processing difficulties affecting comprehension
  • Any student whose reading comprehension is significantly below their decoding ability

If your child has already received phonics-based support and their decoding has improved but comprehension remains weak, Visualizing and Verbalizing is very likely to be the right next step. Our specialist tutors can help you identify the right combination of programs for your child's specific profile.

How The Learnability Delivers Visualizing and Verbalizing Online

At The Learnability, we deliver the Visualizing and Verbalizing program through personalised one-on-one online sessions. Our tutors are experienced in bringing the full richness of the V&V program to life in a virtual environment, using interactive tools that keep students engaged and make visualisation activities vivid and effective.

We tailor every session to the individual child — their current level, their pace of progress, and their specific areas of difficulty. Parents consistently tell us that their children enjoy the sessions and that they notice real changes in how their child engages with books and schoolwork over time.

We also offer a Lindamood-Bell Assessment which can identify whether weak concept imagery is the root cause of your child's comprehension difficulties, and confirm whether Visualizing and Verbalizing is the right program to start with.

Not sure where to start? Visit our contact page and one of our specialists will be happy to guide you through the options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Visualizing and Verbalizing only for children with dyslexia?

No. While V&V is often used with children who have dyslexia, it is effective for any student with weak reading or listening comprehension — regardless of whether they have a formal diagnosis. It is also widely used with children who have autism, ADHD, language processing difficulties, and auditory processing difficulties.

What age is the Visualizing and Verbalizing program suitable for?

The program can be used with children from around age 5 or 6 upward, as well as with older students and adults. It adapts to the student's current language level and cognitive ability, making it appropriate across a wide age range.

How is Visualizing and Verbalizing different from the Seeing Stars program?

Both programs develop imagery, but they target different skills. The Seeing Stars program develops symbol imagery — the ability to visualise letters and words for reading accuracy and spelling. Visualizing and Verbalizing develops concept imagery — the ability to visualise meaning and ideas for reading and listening comprehension. Many children benefit from both programs, either sequentially or simultaneously.

Can Visualizing and Verbalizing be delivered online?

Yes. At The Learnability, we deliver the full Visualizing and Verbalizing program online through one-on-one sessions. Our tutors use interactive digital tools to make the imagery activities engaging and effective in a virtual environment.

My child reads well but doesn't understand what they read. Is this the right program?

Yes — this is exactly the profile that Visualizing and Verbalizing is designed for. A child who decodes accurately but has poor comprehension almost certainly has weak concept imagery. Contact us today and we can carry out an assessment to confirm this and get your child started on the right program.

Give Your Child the Gift of True Reading Comprehension

Reading is about so much more than saying the right words. True reading means understanding, imagining, connecting, and engaging with ideas. Every child deserves to experience that — and with the right support, they can.

At The Learnability, our specialist tutors are experienced in delivering the Visualizing and Verbalizing program online and are ready to help your child develop the comprehension skills they need to thrive — in school and beyond.

Book your free trial session today and take the first step toward unlocking your child's true reading potential.

You can also contact us directly or call us at (310) 218-9466 — we are always happy to help you find the right path forward for your child.

What Is the Seeing Stars Program and How Does It Help Struggling Readers?

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If your child has been struggling with reading, you may have tried different approaches and still found that progress is slow or inconsistent. Perhaps your child can sound out words one day but forgets them the next. Perhaps they struggle to hold words in their mind long enough to read a full sentence. If this sounds familiar, the Seeing Stars program could be exactly what your child needs.

At The Learnability, we work with children every day who face these exact challenges. In this guide, we will explain what the Seeing Stars program is, how it works, who it is designed for, and what parents can expect when their child begins the program.

By the end of this guide, you will have a clear understanding of whether Seeing Stars could be the missing piece in your child's reading journey.

What Is the Seeing Stars Program?

The Seeing Stars program — officially called Seeing Stars: Symbol Imagery for Phonological and Orthographic Processing in Reading and Spelling — is a structured literacy intervention developed by Nanci Bell at the Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes centre.

The program is designed to develop a specific cognitive skill called symbol imagery — the ability to visualise letters and words as mental pictures. This skill is fundamental to reading and spelling, yet many children with reading difficulties have a significant weakness in this area without anyone realising it.

When a child cannot form clear mental images of letters and words, they struggle to recognise words automatically, decode unfamiliar words accurately, or retain spelling patterns. The Seeing Stars program directly targets and builds this skill through a carefully structured sequence of activities.

To learn more about the full range of Lindamood-Bell based programs we offer, visit our services page.

What Is Symbol Imagery and Why Does It Matter?

Symbol imagery is the ability to create a mental picture of letters and words — to literally see them in your mind. Most fluent readers do this automatically without thinking about it. When you read the word "cat," your brain instantly recognises the pattern of letters as a whole unit. You do not have to sound out each letter every time.

For children who struggle with symbol imagery, reading feels like starting from scratch every single time. They may sound out a word correctly on one line and then fail to recognise the same word three lines later. They may read slowly and laboriously even after months of practice. Spelling often remains weak even when a child seems to understand phonics rules.

This is not a sign that a child is not trying or not intelligent. It is a sign that a specific cognitive skill — symbol imagery — needs to be directly taught and developed. This is precisely what the Seeing Stars program does.

Signs Your Child May Have Weak Symbol Imagery

  • Reads the same word differently each time it appears on a page
  • Struggles to remember sight words even after repeated practice
  • Reads very slowly and has to decode every word individually
  • Spells words incorrectly even when they know the phonics rules
  • Loses their place frequently while reading
  • Finds it hard to read without using their finger to track words
  • Reverses or confuses letters such as b, d, p, and q

If several of these signs are familiar, we recommend speaking with one of our specialists at The Learnability. An assessment can identify exactly where your child's difficulties are coming from and which program is the right fit.

How Does the Seeing Stars Program Work?

The Seeing Stars program works by systematically developing a child's ability to visualise letters and words. It moves through a carefully structured sequence, beginning with individual letters and gradually building toward whole words, sentences, and connected text.

Step 1 — Visualising Single Letters

The program begins at the very foundation — helping students create clear, stable mental images of individual letters. Students practise visualising letters with their eyes open and closed, describing what they see, and checking their mental image against the real letter. This builds the basic skill of symbol imagery from the ground up.

Step 2 — Visualising Letter Sequences

Once students can visualise individual letters clearly, they begin to work with sequences of letters — first two letters, then three, then four and beyond. Students are asked to visualise a sequence, hold it in their mind, and then recall it accurately. This directly builds the working memory for print that fluent reading requires.

Step 3 — Word Reading and Spelling

Students apply their developing symbol imagery skill to real words. They practise reading and spelling words by visualising the whole word as a mental image, rather than sounding out each letter individually. Over time, this builds the automatic word recognition that fluent, effortless reading depends on.

Step 4 — Connected Text

As students' symbol imagery strengthens, they begin applying it to reading connected text — sentences, paragraphs, and full passages. Fluency improves naturally as word recognition becomes more automatic, and reading begins to feel easier and more enjoyable.

Throughout all of these steps, the program uses a multisensory approach — students see, say, hear, and physically engage with letters and words. This is consistent with the principles behind all of our programs at The Learnability, including our Orton-Gillingham tutoring and Wilson Reading System sessions.

Who Is the Seeing Stars Program Designed For?

The Seeing Stars program is suitable for children, teenagers, and adults who have weak symbol imagery affecting their reading and spelling. It is particularly beneficial for:

  • Children with dyslexia who struggle with automatic word recognition
  • Students who have learned phonics but still read slowly or inaccurately
  • Children who reverse or confuse letters and numbers
  • Students with poor sight word retention despite repeated practice
  • Children with reading fluency difficulties
  • Students with weak spelling despite adequate phonics knowledge
  • Children with visual processing difficulties affecting reading

The Seeing Stars program is often used alongside other interventions. For example, a child who also has difficulties with reading comprehension may benefit from combining Seeing Stars with our Visualizing and Verbalizing program, which targets the ability to create mental images of what is read — a different but equally important skill.

Our specialist tutors at The Learnability will always carry out a thorough assessment before recommending a program, to ensure your child receives exactly the right support for their specific needs.

How The Learnability Delivers Seeing Stars Tutoring Online

At The Learnability, we deliver the Seeing Stars program through personalised one-on-one online sessions. Every session is tailored to your child's current level and pace of progress, ensuring they are always working at exactly the right point in the program.

Our tutors are experienced in delivering Seeing Stars in a virtual environment and use a range of interactive digital tools to make the multisensory elements of the program engaging and effective online. Parents consistently tell us that their children respond positively to online sessions — the one-on-one format means every minute of the session is focused entirely on their child.

We also offer a comprehensive Lindamood-Bell Assessment which can identify whether weak symbol imagery is contributing to your child's reading difficulties and confirm whether the Seeing Stars program is the right starting point.

If you are unsure which program is right for your child, you can also explore our full range of reading intervention programs or speak with one of our specialists directly by visiting our contact page.

What Results Can Parents Expect?

Parents who work with The Learnability often notice changes that go beyond reading scores. When symbol imagery strengthens, children begin to recognise words more automatically. Reading feels less effortful. Spelling becomes more consistent. And perhaps most importantly, children begin to approach reading with less anxiety and more confidence.

Progress depends on the individual child, the intensity of sessions, and how consistently the program is followed. However, the Seeing Stars program has a strong track record when delivered by trained, experienced tutors in a structured, consistent way.

Many of the families we work with at The Learnability come to us after years of trying other approaches that did not produce lasting results. What makes the difference is targeting the right underlying skill — and for many children, symbol imagery is exactly that missing piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Seeing Stars program the same as Lindamood-Bell?

The Seeing Stars program was developed by Nanci Bell at Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, so it is one of the programs within the broader Lindamood-Bell family of programs. Other Lindamood-Bell programs include Visualizing and Verbalizing and the Talkies program, each targeting different underlying skills.

What age is the Seeing Stars program suitable for?

The Seeing Stars program can be used with children from around age 5 or 6 upward, as well as with older students and adults. The program adapts to the student's current level, making it suitable across a wide age range.

How is Seeing Stars different from phonics instruction?

Phonics instruction teaches children to match sounds to letters. The Seeing Stars program develops symbol imagery — the ability to visualise letters and words as mental pictures. Both skills are important for reading. Many children need both, which is why we often combine Seeing Stars with phonics-based approaches such as our Orton-Gillingham tutoring.

Can Seeing Stars be delivered online?

Yes. At The Learnability, we deliver the Seeing Stars program fully online through one-on-one sessions. Our tutors use interactive digital tools to replicate the multisensory experience of in-person sessions effectively in a virtual environment.

How do I know if my child needs the Seeing Stars program?

If your child reads inconsistently, struggles to retain sight words, reverses letters, or reads slowly despite knowing phonics, weak symbol imagery may be contributing to their difficulties. The best way to find out is through a proper assessment. Contact The Learnability today and we will help you understand exactly what your child needs.

Ready to Help Your Child Read With Confidence?

Every child deserves to experience the joy of reading without struggle. If your child has been working hard but not making the progress they deserve, the Seeing Stars program could provide the breakthrough they need.

At The Learnability, our specialist tutors are experienced in delivering the Seeing Stars program online and are ready to support your child every step of the way. We begin with a thorough assessment to make sure we recommend exactly the right program for your child's individual needs.

Book your free trial session today and take the first step toward giving your child the reading confidence they deserve.

You can also contact us directly or call us at (310) 218-9466 — we are always happy to answer your questions and help you find the right path forward for your child.

What Is the Wilson Reading System? A Complete Parent Guide

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If your child has been struggling with reading, spelling, or decoding words — and nothing seems to be working — you may have come across the term Wilson Reading System. Perhaps a teacher mentioned it, or you found it during a late-night search trying to figure out how to help your child.

You are not alone. Thousands of parents across the United States are in exactly the same position, searching for answers and wondering whether a structured reading program could finally make a difference for their child.

In this guide, we will explain exactly what the Wilson Reading System is, how it works, who it is designed for, and what you can expect if your child begins the program. By the end, you will have a clear picture of whether it could be the right step forward for your family.

What Is the Wilson Reading System?

The Wilson Reading System (WRS) is an intensive, structured literacy program designed specifically to help students who struggle with reading and spelling. It was developed by Barbara Wilson in 1988 and is based on the principles of the Orton-Gillingham approach — one of the most well-researched and respected methods for teaching students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.

Unlike general reading support or homework help, the Wilson Reading System takes a highly systematic approach. It teaches students the structure of the English language step by step, starting with the most basic building blocks of sounds and letters, and gradually building toward more complex reading and spelling skills.

The program is designed for students in grades 2 through 12, as well as adults, who have not responded to standard classroom instruction. It is particularly effective for students with dyslexia, language-based learning disabilities, and significant word-level reading deficits.

To learn more about who we are and how we support families across the United States, visit The Learnability homepage.

How Does the Wilson Reading System Work?

The Wilson Reading System is built on a very clear structure. Every lesson follows the same ten-part format, which is divided into three blocks:

Block 1 — Word Study and Reading Skills

Students work on the foundational building blocks of reading. This includes phonemic awareness — the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in words — phonics, and decoding. Students learn to break words apart into their individual sounds using a unique finger-tapping method, which helps reinforce learning through a physical, multisensory experience.

Block 2 — Spelling and Writing Skills

Students practise spelling using the same structured system. They learn to encode words — turning sounds into written letters — using the same phonics rules they have learned for reading. This dual approach of reading and spelling together is one of the things that makes WRS particularly powerful.

Block 3 — Fluency and Comprehension

Students read connected text and practise reading with fluency and understanding. As students progress through the 12 steps of the program, the complexity of the text increases gradually, always matching the skills they have already mastered.

Sessions are typically 60 to 90 minutes long, which is longer than many other reading programs. This extended time is necessary because the lesson covers all ten parts in each session, ensuring students receive consistent, comprehensive practice every time they meet with their tutor.

Who Is the Wilson Reading System For?

The Wilson Reading System is not a general reading program. It is specifically designed for students who have significant reading difficulties and have not made adequate progress with standard instruction. It is most commonly used with:

  • Children and adults with dyslexia
  • Students with language-based learning disabilities
  • Students with significant gaps in decoding and spelling skills
  • Students in grades 2 through 12 who are reading well below grade level
  • Adults who missed foundational literacy skills and want to improve

Before a student begins the program, a trained instructor carries out an initial assessment to determine the student's starting point. This ensures the program begins at exactly the right level for each individual child — not too easy and not too overwhelming.

At The Learnability, our Wilson Reading System tutors carry out a thorough assessment before every program begins, so your child receives fully personalised support from day one.

Why Is the Wilson Reading System So Effective?

There are several reasons why the Wilson Reading System is considered one of the gold-standard approaches for students with reading difficulties.

It is multisensory

WRS engages students through multiple senses — seeing, hearing, saying, and touching — simultaneously. This multisensory approach is proven to help students with dyslexia build stronger and more lasting connections between sounds and letters. Rather than simply reading off a page, students are actively involved in every part of the learning process.

It is systematic and sequential

Nothing in WRS is left to chance. Skills are introduced in a logical, carefully sequenced order. Students master each step before moving to the next. This prevents the gaps in knowledge that often cause struggling readers to fall further behind over time.

It is cumulative

Every new skill builds on what has already been learned. Previous skills are reviewed in every lesson, which means students are constantly reinforcing and strengthening their foundation even as they move forward.

It is based on decades of research

The Wilson Reading System is endorsed by the International Dyslexia Association and is aligned with the Science of Reading — the body of research that tells us how children best learn to read. It has helped hundreds of thousands of students around the world build real, lasting literacy skills.

If you would like to explore our full range of reading support services, visit our Wilson Reading System service page to learn more about how our tutors work with your child.

What Can Parents Expect During the Program?

One of the most common questions parents ask is: how long will it take? The honest answer is that it depends on your child's starting point and the intensity of their sessions. Meaningful progress in reading accuracy typically requires consistent, regular sessions over a sustained period of time.

What most parents notice, however, is that progress goes beyond reading scores. Children who go through the Wilson Reading System often experience a significant boost in confidence. When a child finally understands why words work the way they do — when reading begins to make sense — the relief is visible. Many parents describe their children as becoming more willing to try, less afraid of reading aloud, and more positive about school generally.

Parental involvement is also encouraged. The more you understand about what your child is learning and how you can support them between sessions, the faster their progress will be. At The Learnability, we keep parents informed and involved throughout the entire journey.

How The Learnability Delivers Wilson Reading System Tutoring Online

At The Learnability, we deliver the Wilson Reading System through one-on-one online sessions, which means your child receives the same intensive, personalised instruction as they would in person — without the need to travel or work around a difficult schedule.

Our tutors are trained and experienced in the Wilson Reading System and use a range of digital tools to deliver the multisensory elements of each lesson effectively online. Students still tap sounds, work with letter tiles, and practise reading connected text — all adapted for a virtual environment that is engaging and effective.

We also work with students across a range of related programs. If your child needs support beyond reading decoding, our Orton-Gillingham tutoring, Lindamood-Bell programs, and Special Needs tutoring may also be a strong fit.

Whether your child has a confirmed dyslexia diagnosis or you simply know something is not right with their reading, we are here to help. Contact us today and we will guide you through the next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Wilson Reading System only for children with dyslexia?

No. While WRS is particularly well-suited for students with dyslexia, it is effective for any student with significant reading and spelling difficulties, including those with other language-based learning disabilities or students who have simply fallen significantly behind grade level.

What age can children start the Wilson Reading System?

The program is designed for students from grade 2 upward, typically age 7 to 8 and above. It is also used with older students, teenagers, and adults. There is no upper age limit — the Wilson Reading System has helped adults improve their literacy skills too.

How is the Wilson Reading System different from Orton-Gillingham?

The Wilson Reading System is based on Orton-Gillingham principles, but it is a fully developed standalone program with its own specific lesson structure, materials, and progression system. Think of Orton-Gillingham as the broader approach and WRS as one highly structured implementation of it.

Can the Wilson Reading System be delivered online?

Yes. Research and real-world experience show that structured literacy programs like WRS can be delivered very effectively online, particularly in a one-on-one format. At The Learnability, we have adapted the full multisensory programme for online delivery with strong results.

How do I know if my child needs the Wilson Reading System?

If your child is struggling significantly with reading or spelling, is reading well below their grade level, or has been identified as having dyslexia or a reading-related learning difficulty, WRS could be an excellent fit. The best first step is to contact us so we can understand your child's specific needs and recommend the right path forward.

Ready to Find Out If the Wilson Reading System Is Right for Your Child?

Every child deserves to read with confidence. If your child has been struggling and you are looking for a structured, proven approach that works, the Wilson Reading System could be exactly what they need.

At The Learnability, our specialist tutors are ready to help. We offer a free trial session so you can see exactly how we work and find out how we can support your child's reading journey.

Book your free trial session today and take the first step toward giving your child the reading support they deserve.

You can also contact us directly or call us at (310) 218-9466 — we are always happy to talk.