Simultaneous Oral Spelling {S.O.S}

What is Simultaneous Oral Spelling, or S.O.S.?

Simultaneous Oral Spelling, or S.O.S. is an explicit, systematic, and multi-sensory spelling strategy used during the Orton-Gillingham approach. It is proven to be the best method for dyslexic and struggling spellers.

Why does it work?

S.O.S. spelling strategy works for struggling spellers because it utilizes visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities in order to learn spelling patterns and attack words. In addition, students are taught explicit spelling rules and patterns.

Why is a multi-sensory approach needed?

I am completely fascinated by the brain, so here is a short version of what the research done by Sally Shaywitz has found

There are 2 main parts of the brain responsible for word analysis, fluency, and comprehension. They have some fancy names, (left parietotemporal system and left occipitotemporal area)but I realize not everyone is as fascinated with the brain as me, so suffice it to say, the left side of the brain is responsible for reading and spelling.

Well... dyslexic students have less gray matter in the left portions of their brain and more gray matter in the right portions of the brain.

Good readers have the exact opposite. Good readers have more gray matter in the left portions of their brains and less gray matter in the right portions of their brains.

In case you are a visual learner, here it is in pictures.

Ok, so you aren't as fascinated by the brain as I am, so I will get to the point...

An explicit, systematic, multi-sensory approach to spelling can retrain the dyslexic brain and activate the underactive portions of the brain responsible for reading and spelling. Over time, research has shown that with a multi-sensory approach, the dyslexic brain imaging is identical to good readers.

How do I use this strategy in the classroom?

Anytime a student is spelling the word, the student should follow explicit steps. I have created an anchor chart for a visual and all of the activities included in my phonics packs utilize the S.O.S. spelling strategy.

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