The Orton-Gillingham Approach
What is the Orton-Gillingham Approach?
The Orton-Gillingham Approach (OG) helps people learn to read and spell. In the 1930s dyslexia was identified as an educational problem and an instruction approach was created. This method still works great today.
The Story Behind Orton-Gillingham
Two smart people created this way of teaching:
Dr. Samuel Orton, a brain doctor (neuropsychiatrist and pathologist), who found that many smart kids had trouble reading
Anna Gillingham, a gifted teacher and psychologist, who was great with words and making lessons
They introduced the idea of breaking down reading and spelling into small steps involving letters and sounds. They combined this idea with direct, multi-sensory teaching strategies and paired these strategies with systematic, sequential lessons focused on phonics. Anna Gillingham created instructional materials in the 1930s. These materials are the foundation for student instruction and teacher training in today’s Orton-Gillingham Approach.
How Orton-Gillingham Works Today
OG helps all kinds of readers, not just those with dyslexia. Concepts are taught explicitly, systematically, diagnostically, and prescriptively using multisensory techniques.
Step by step
Lessons created for the individual student
Teacher “diagnoses” the learning gap
Teacher “prescribes” explicit instruction
New concepts are taught in a systematic and predictable way
Lessons use eyes, ears, and movement techniques
One teacher works with one student
Lessons move at the student's learning pace
Teachers identify learning gaps and adjust instruction to fill the gaps until the concept is mastered
Students master one skill before moving to the next
Why Teachers Love It
Teachers can:
See exactly what each student needs help with
Make lessons that fit that student
Take time to build strong reading skills
Check that students really understand before moving on
Why the Orton-Gillingham Approach Works
Think of it like building with blocks. You need a strong bottom block before adding the next one. OG makes sure each reading skill is strong before moving up.
Step by Step lessons
Uses all the senses to learn
Gives students time to master skills
Builds confidence along with reading ability
With Orton-Gillingham, your child can learn to read.
Stay strong, keep going, and don't give up!
