The Orton-Gillingham approach is a highly effective, structured method that teaches reading, spelling, and writing, especially for individuals with dyslexia. But what is Orton-Gillingham Approach exactly, and why has it become a cornerstone in teaching students with learning disabilities? To answer this question, let’s dive into the basics of this renowned approach and explore how it helps improve literacy skills.
Understanding Orton-Gillingham Approach
Dr. Samuel Orton, a neuropsychiatrist, and Anna Gillingham, an educator and psychologist, developed the Orton-Gillingham approach in the 1930s. They created a unique method unique method that combines multisensory techniques with a structured, sequential, and cumulative approach to teaching. Therefore, this method has proven effective for many students with learning disabilities. The goal was to create a program that could effectively address the specific needs of students struggling with reading and spelling.
Key Principles of the Orton-Gillingham Method
The Orton-Gillingham method relies on several key principles that make it particularly effective for teaching children with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.
1. Multisensory Instruction
One of the hallmarks of Orton-Gillingham is its multisensory approach. This means that students engage multiple senses—sight, sound, touch, and movement—while learning. For example, when learning a new word, a student might say the word aloud (auditory), trace the letters with their finger (tactile), and write it down (visual). Ultimately, this multisensory technique reinforces learning and helps students retain information more effectively.
2. Structured and Sequential
The Orton-Gillingham approach follows a highly structured, sequential order. It begins with the most basic elements of language and gradually builds up to more complex concepts. Thus, this step-by-step progression ensures that students have a solid foundation before moving on to new material.
3. Cumulative Learning
In OG tutoring, each lesson builds on previously learned material. Therefore, This cumulative approach reinforces previous lessons and helps solidify the student’s understanding over time. Think of it like building blocks—each block must be secure before adding the next one.
4. Individualized Instruction
The Orton-Gillingham method tailors instruction to each student’s needs. Instructors assess the student’s abilities and create a personalized learning plan that targets specific challenges. This individualized attention is crucial for helping students progress at their own pace and achieve success.
The Spelling Procedure in Orton-Gillingham
Spelling can be particularly challenging for students with dyslexia, but the spelling procedure in Orton-Gillingham makes it more manageable. Students learn to break down words into individual sounds (phonemes) and then match those sounds to letters or letter combinations. As a result, this methodical approach helps demystify spelling and gives students the tools they need to spell words correctly.
OG Reading: Developing Strong Reading Skills
OG reading focuses on phonemic awareness, which is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate the individual sounds in words. This skill is essential for decoding words and is a key component of the Orton-Gillingham approach. Moreover, by mastering phonemic awareness, students can improve their reading fluency and comprehension.
Why Choose the Orton-Gillingham Approach For Your Child?
The Orton-Gillingham method has stood the test of time because it works. Indeed, it’s a proven approach that has helped countless students overcome reading difficulties and achieve academic success. Whether your child is struggling with dyslexia, ADHD, or another learning disability, OG tutoring offers a personalized, effective way to build literacy skills and confidence.
Conclusion
The Orton-Gillingham approach is a powerful and proven method for teaching reading, spelling, and writing, particularly for individuals with dyslexia and other learning disabilities. Its structured, multisensory, and individualized techniques have helped countless students overcome challenges and achieve academic success. By engaging multiple senses and building on each lesson in a sequential and cumulative manner, this approach provides a solid foundation for literacy skills that can last a lifetime.
At Learnability, we are dedicated to helping children with learning disabilities reach their full potential through personalized, one-on-one tutoring using the Orton-Gillingham method. Whether your child is struggling with reading, spelling, or writing, our OG tutoring services can make a significant difference in their educational journey. Contact us today, If you’re ready to help your child unlock their potential with the Orton-Gillingham approach.
FAQ’s
1. Who can benefit from the Orton-Gillingham method?
The Orton-Gillingham method is highly effective for individuals with dyslexia, but it can also benefit students with other learning disabilities, including ADHD, as well as those who struggle with reading and spelling in general. It is tailored to the specific needs of each student, making it a versatile approach.
2. How does the Orton-Gillingham approach differ from other reading methods?
Unlike many traditional reading programs, the Orton-Gillingham approach is explicitly structured and multisensory. It is individualized, meaning that instruction is tailored to the specific needs and pace of each student. This method also places a strong emphasis on phonemic awareness and cumulative learning.
3. What does a typical Orton-Gillingham lesson look like?
A typical lesson using the Orton-Gillingham method might include activities that involve visual, auditory, and tactile elements. For example, a student might learn a new phoneme by saying it out loud, tracing it in sand, and writing it on paper. Lessons are structured and sequential, building on previously learned concepts.
4. How long does it take to see progress with the Orton-Gillingham approach?
Progress with the Orton-Gillingham approach varies depending on the individual student’s needs and the frequency of instruction. Some students may begin to see improvements in a few weeks, while others may take longer. The approach is designed to build skills gradually and reinforce them over time.