Robinson: A Transparent Code for an Opaque Language

English is one of the most irregular writing systems in the world. The same sound can be spelled in multiple ways (**e.g., the /k/ sound in cat, kite, school), and the same spelling can represent different sounds (e.g., read vs. read).

The Robinson Code helps students navigate this complexity by providing a phonemic support system similar to linguistic tools like:

• The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) – Used by linguists to provide a standardized pronunciation system.

  
  

• Pinyin (for Mandarin Chinese) – A phonetic system that helps learners decode Chinese characters.

  
  

• Shorthand and ITA (Initial Teaching Alphabet) – Systems designed to simplify complex orthographies.

  
  

How the Robinson Code is Different

While phonetic respelling systems like the IPA and ITA use invented symbols, the Robinson Code is unique because it only uses actual English spellings.

✅ Each phoneme is represented using real letters—not special symbols.

✅ One, two, or three letters may be used to represent a sound, making the system more intuitive.

✅ The phonetic guide appears in red and green above words that don’t follow standard phonetic rules, helping students recognize patterns without replacing standard English spelling.

This system allows students to develop decoding skills quickly while naturally transitioning into reading standard English text.

Contact a Robinson Reading tutor via our website or by emailing info@robinsonreading.org

Image: Man and child look at book together.

Book of the Month: "Two Truths and a Lie: Animal Facts"—A Wildly Fun Reading Challenge!

Image: Book cover for Two Truths and a Lie: Animal Facts.

According to our students, Two Truths and a Lie: Animal Facts is one of the Robinson Reading System’s most beloved books! This interactive read presents three intriguing "facts" about animals—but here’s the catch: one of them is a lie!

Readers are challenged to spot the fib, sparking lively discussions, critical thinking, and thoughtful analysis. Perfect for fostering engagement and curiosity, this book keeps students on their toes while strengthening their reading and reasoning skills.

Image: A photo of a flying bat. This photo is in the book Two Truths and a Lie: Animal Facts

Will the April 2025 Book of the Month fool your student? Find out by signing them up for tutoring at robinsonreading.org/tutor today!