The sound color method

Want to learn more about the Sound Color Method?

In this course, we'll take you through the principles behind the Sound Color Method, and teach you everything you need to get started with students. When you finish this course, you will be able to be a tutor for your students. If you also want to educate other educators, you need a separate approval.

The course is 100% online, which means you can take it wherever and whenever you want. You can even repeat each lesson as many times as you like if there's something you missed.

You will have access to the course for a whole year. As part of the course, you can also join a Facebook group where you can share experiences and get guidance along the way.

If you want to sign up for this course, just follow the login at the top of the page. As a user, you will then receive a license and gain access to the course via your page.

In addition, you will need some teaching materials that are not included in the course fee. You can order these materials here.

What is the sound color method

A language development method
Sound color is a language development method that uses color to help identify the letters and sounds that make up the basic elements of written language. The use of color provides the learner with additional information to help identify these phonemes.

Developed by educator Maaike Visser, the method has helped students read faster, make fewer mistakes and become more language aware.

The method was developed based on recent brain research that showed that dyslexics have difficulty creating recognition pathways that identify phonemes automatically. The color coding that this method uses provides information that supports the construction of these recognition pathways.

The method is based on language sounds
The sound color method is based on the different language sounds. The language system is explained based on different groups of sounds and simple rules. Furthermore, the system is supplemented with knowledge of word structure and various rules based on grammar. This gives students an overview of how the letters and sounds in the language are related. With just a few basic rules, they can write most words without errors.

It is useful to divide language sounds into vowel and consonant sounds. Consonants and vowels are abstract concepts and it can be difficult to teach the difference between them. But by giving the sounds different colors, they become visible and concrete. In Norwegian primary schools, blue is used for consonants and red for vowels. This is a good starting point, but the Sound Color Method takes it a few steps further.

The Sound Color Method also distinguishes between short and long vowels and teaches the difference between the respective sounds. When using the Sound Color Method, consonants are usually colored blue, while vowels are colored yellow or green, depending on whether they are long or short. The reader can immediately see whether the vowel is long or short. This makes reading less complicated and ensures correct pronunciation. 

The sound color method is about concretizing
Part of the core of the sound color method is to use different colors and materials to make the sounds in the language visible and concrete. When students read, they mark the different sounds in a word using marker pens. When they write, they use "sound blocks" in different colors. With the help of these blocks, words can be put together. Each block represents a letter, and the color of the block determines the sound of the letter.

In this way, the structure of the word is clearly visible, and you can practice writing words in a simple and clear way. In addition, more practice material has been developed to automate letter-sound learning. The training is divided into letter writing and letter sound learning, which is a less complicated part of learning.

The sound coloring method is about mastering
When using the sound coloring method, students work with several activities that together make up a whole, and many different tools are used, including blocks, markers and jumping boards. The method gives students an opportunity to use several senses and experience mastery as a result. The progression of learning can also be adapted to the individual's needs. It can be time-consuming and demanding at times, but at the same time varied and motivating for the student.

Who is the sound color method suitable for?

The sound color method is an educational tool for use in literacy training and is particularly suitable for people with reading and writing difficulties in all age groups.

The method is well suited to children who do not seem to be able to crack the reading code like their peers. At the same time, we know that the method is most effective when it is introduced early, as part of general literacy training. Such an approach prevents reading and writing difficulties, even for those with fewer difficulties. In addition, everyone becomes more language aware and better at reading and writing. Research shows that pupils with a predisposition to reading difficulties should receive help as early as possible to prevent a negative development.

Sound color can also be a good method to use in Norwegian language training for adult immigrants. When learning the decoding process, participants must also be able to recognize the sounds in the language. Even if the participant knows the Latin alphabet, there is often a difference between Norwegian phonology and the phonology of the participant's native language. When learning Norwegian, participants must also learn the Norwegian sound system with a focus on word structure. This is an essential element in the learning process since the sound system is central to reading.

Sound color is adapted to Norwegian language training

The sound color method is now adapted to Norwegian language training. This work has been carried out in collaboration with Skills Norway. Testing in Norwegian lessons and in group lessons has been an essential part of the adaptation. The process was carried out with the help of competent teachers with extensive experience in teaching Norwegian as a second language. The adult education centers that have used the Lydfargemetoden are very positive.

"At adult education in Hønefoss, the Sound Color Method has been used for quite some time. It used to be difficult," say Salma Almilhim and Rahiri Gohalmi. "Now we understand much more Norwegian and we think everyone likes working this way."

How do I take the course?

If you want access immediately: You can easily access this course by clicking the button at the top of the page. You will then have immediate access and can find the course on your pages by clicking on the icon at the top right.

If you would like to receive an invoice or EHF, please register below. It will then take a little longer until you get access to the course.