What Is the Orton-Gillingham Approach and How Does It Work?
If you’ve been exploring ways to support a child with dyslexia, you may have come across the term Orton-Gillingham. But what exactly is this approach, and how can it help struggling readers?
Let’s dive into what makes the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach a trusted and effective method for teaching children with dyslexia and other language-based learning difficulties.
What Is the Orton-Gillingham Approach?
The Orton-Gillingham approach was developed in the 1930s by neuropsychiatrist Samuel Orton and educator/psychologist Anna Gillingham. It was one of the first programs designed to address the specific needs of learners with dyslexia.
At its core, Orton-Gillingham is a structured, multisensory, and phonics-based approach to teaching reading, spelling, and writing. It’s designed to be highly personalized, adapting to each student’s individual strengths and challenges.
Key Principles of Orton-Gillingham
Multisensory Instruction:
Orton-Gillingham uses a combination of visual (seeing), auditory (hearing), and kinesthetic (movement/touch) methods to help students connect sounds and letters. For example, a student might say a sound, write the corresponding letter in sand, and read a word aloud.
Sequential and Cumulative:
Lessons start with the most basic skills and gradually build to more complex concepts. Each new skill builds on previous knowledge, ensuring a strong foundation.
Explicit and Systematic:
Rules and patterns of language are taught directly and clearly. Nothing is assumed; concepts are broken down into manageable steps.
Diagnostic and Prescriptive:
The approach is tailored to the learner’s specific needs, with regular assessments and adjustments to instruction based on the student’s progress.
How Does Orton-Gillingham Work?
A typical Orton-Gillingham lesson might include:
Phonemic Awareness: Practicing hearing and identifying sounds in words.
Phonics: Learning how sounds map to letters and letter combinations.
Encoding (Spelling): Practicing spelling words based on phonics patterns.
Decoding (Reading): Practicing reading words, sentences, and stories.
Fluency and Comprehension: Building speed and understanding in reading.
Because Orton-Gillingham is flexible and personalized, tutors or teachers adjust lessons to match each student’s pace and mastery of concepts.
Who Can Benefit from Orton-Gillingham?
Children with dyslexia or other reading challenges
Struggling readers needing explicit phonics instruction
Students who haven’t responded to traditional reading programs
Orton-Gillingham can be used in one-on-one tutoring, small groups, or classroom settings. Many structured literacy programs (like Wilson Reading System or Barton Reading & Spelling) are based on OG principles.
Why Does Orton-Gillingham Work?
Orton-Gillingham addresses the specific challenges faced by dyslexic learners:
It breaks reading and spelling into clear, manageable steps.
It engages multiple senses to reinforce learning.
It provides immediate feedback and practice.
It builds a solid foundation for long-term literacy success.
Final Thoughts
If your child is struggling with reading and writing, the Orton-Gillingham approach offers a proven, research-backed path to success. Its structured, multisensory, and personalized methods can make a world of difference for students with dyslexia and beyond.
Interested in learning more? Contact me today to discuss how Orton-Gillingham-based tutoring can support your child’s reading journey!
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