Orton Gillingham

Overview of the Orton-Gillingham Method

The Orton-Gillingham (OG) Method is a highly structured, multisensory, and evidence-based approach to teaching reading, writing, and spelling. Originally developed in the 1930s by Dr. Samuel Orton, a neuropsychiatrist, and Anna Gillingham, an educator and psychologist, the method was designed to support individuals with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.

Today, it is widely recognized as one of the most effective interventions for struggling readers and is utilized in classrooms, tutoring programs, and clinical settings worldwide.

Key Principles of the Orton-Gillingham Method

1. Multisensory Approach:

   • The OG method engages multiple senses—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—to reinforce learning.

   • Students see the letters, hear the sounds, and physically interact with the material (e.g., tracing letters or tapping out syllables).

2. Structured and Sequential:

   • Lessons follow a logical sequence, starting with the most basic concepts and progressing to more complex ones.

   • Skills are taught explicitly and systematically, ensuring that students master foundational concepts before moving on.

3. Individualized Instruction:

   • The method is tailored to each learner's needs, allowing for flexible pacing and targeted intervention.

   • Teachers continuously assess and adjust lessons based on the student’s progress and specific challenges.

4. Explicit Phonics Instruction:

   • The OG method emphasizes teaching the relationships between sounds (phonemes) and letters (graphemes).

   • Students learn to decode words by understanding how sounds combine to form language.

5. Diagnostic and Prescriptive:

   • Instruction is informed by ongoing, formal, and informal assessments.

   • Lessons are adapted to address areas where the student needs additional practice or reinforcement.

6. Emotionally Supportive:

   • The method fosters a positive, confidence-building environment where students feel safe to make mistakes and learn.

Core Components of an Orton-Gillingham Lesson

1. Phonemic Awareness:

   • Activities to help students recognize, segment, and manipulate sounds in spoken language.

2. Decoding (Reading):

   • Explicit instruction in blending sounds to form words.

3. Encoding (Spelling):

   • Teaching students to break down words into sounds and match them to corresponding letters or letter combinations.

4. Fluency:

   • Building automaticity in recognizing words and reading smoothly.

5. Comprehension:

   • Developing strategies to understand and interpret text.

6. Writing:

   • Reinforcing concepts through sentence formation, dictation, and composition.

Who Benefits from the Orton-Gillingham Method?

The OG method is particularly effective for:

• Students with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities.

• Struggling readers who need explicit and systematic instruction.

• English Language Learners (ELLs) who benefit from a structured approach to language learning.

Why It Works

The Orton-Gillingham approach is grounded in neuroscience and decades of research into how the brain processes language. Its systematic, multisensory techniques directly address the underlying causes of reading difficulties, making it a trusted choice for educators, tutors, and specialists.

By providing the tools and strategies students need to decode language, the OG method not only improves literacy skills but also empowers learners to reach their full potential.