The English Code

In the evolution of writing, we have designated symbols to represent the sounds of spoken language. We have, in essence, created our own code. The sound-symbol correspondence that has been developed for the English language is called "The English Code". In order for students to properly master the components of our language, breaking the “code” proves to be a monumental, yet crucial, task. As very few students naturally make the association between letters and sounds, the English “code” must be explicitly taught and drilled until the associations from symbol to sound and sound to symbol are automatic. This work provides a systematic and forensic approach to mastering the English language and a solid foundation for reading, writing, and spelling skills for students who are struggling with language acquisition.

Dr. Walter E. Dunson is an academic language therapist who has more than twenty years of experience working with students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in one-on-one and small group tutorials. He is recognized for his knowledge of learning disabilities, dyslexia, and English phonology and morphology. Dr. Dunson received extensive Orton-Gillingham training and was mentored through a 2760-hour practicum by a founding Fellow in the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators and has received additional training in: Lindamood-Bell's Phoneme Sequencing Program for Reading, Spelling, and Speech; Visualizing and Verbalizing Program of Concept Imagery for Comprehension and Thinking; Seeing Stars Program of Symbol Imagery for Sight Words, Reading, Phonemic Awareness, and Spelling; and Dr. Jane Fell Greene's Language! Program, a curriculum for at-risk and ESL students in grades K-12 and includes components for writing, spelling, reading, grammar, and vocabulary. Dr. Dunson is a dyslexia researcher, former member of the Board of Directors of the International Dyslexia Association (Houston Branch), and the author of School Success for Students with Dyslexia and Other Reading Difficulties.