What Is Orton-Gillingham and Why Does It Work?
Orton-Gillingham, often called OG, is a structured way of teaching reading, especially to kids with dyslexia or those who struggle with decoding. It’s different from other methods because it breaks reading down into small steps. You focus on phonics and letter-sound relationships, and it’s all done using multisensory techniques—like tracing letters in sand or saying sounds while writing them.
In my classroom, I’ve seen how OG helps. Take John, a 10-year-old who couldn’t read a simple sentence. Using OG, we worked on one sound at a time. After a few weeks, he was blending words. His confidence skyrocketed. And trust me, watching a kid finally “get it” is a moment every teacher lives for.
What makes OG so effective is that it’s systematic. You don’t leave anything to chance. It’s step-by-step, which makes it perfect for struggling readers who feel overwhelmed by bigger tasks.
Is Training Necessary to Use Orton-Gillingham?
Now, let’s tackle the big question: Do you need training to use Orton-Gillingham? The short answer is, no, you don’t need certification to use OG strategies with your kids or in the classroom. But—and this is important—there are benefits to formal training if you want to become an expert.
Why Training Helps
Formal training teaches you how to assess a student’s reading level, identify where they’re struggling, and adjust lessons to meet their specific needs. It also dives deeper into phonology (the sound structure of language) and gives you hands-on experience with multisensory teaching techniques. If you’re a teacher looking to become a reading specialist or work one-on-one with dyslexic students, I highly recommend getting certified.
What Does Orton-Gillingham Training Include?
Here’s a breakdown of what OG training usually covers:
| Training Topic | What You’ll Learn |
|---|---|
| Phonology | Understanding how sounds work in English |
| Multisensory Instruction | How to teach using visual, auditory, and tactile methods |
| Diagnostic Teaching | How to assess reading struggles and adjust lessons |
| Language Structure | In-depth study of syllables, roots, prefixes, etc. |
Certification Levels
There are different levels of certification for those who want to go deeper. The Associate Level covers the basics and prepares you to use OG with students. The Certified Level goes further, helping you specialize in working with students with severe dyslexia. And for those who want to train others, there’s the Fellow Level.
Where Can You Get Orton-Gillingham Training?
If you’re interested in formal training, there are several organizations where you can get certified:
These organizations offer courses online and in person. But here’s the thing—training can be expensive and time-consuming. It’s an investment, and not everyone has the resources to commit to it. That’s where our ready-made curriculum comes in.
Don’t Have Time for Training? Try Our Easy-to-Use Orton-Gillingham Curriculum
Not everyone can get formal training, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help your child or students. I’ve worked with plenty of parents who wanted to use Orton-Gillingham techniques but didn’t know where to start. That’s why we created an easy-to-use Orton-Gillingham curriculum that requires zero training. You can jump right in.
Here’s why it works for parents and teachers alike:
- Structured and Simple: We’ve broken down the lessons into bite-sized chunks, just like Orton-Gillingham, so it’s easy to follow.
- Multisensory Methods Built In: You’ll get activities that involve movement, touch, sound, and sight—all of which are key in OG instruction.
- No Guesswork: You won’t need to assess or adjust lessons. We’ve done the hard part for you. Just follow the plan, and you’re good to go.
The Benefits of Using a Ready-Made Curriculum
For Parents
If you’re a parent, you might feel overwhelmed by the idea of teaching reading, especially if your child has been struggling for a while. But you don’t need to be an expert. Our curriculum is designed for parents with no teaching background. It’s simple, step-by-step, and works at your child’s pace.
For Teachers
Teachers, I know how hard it is to juggle lesson planning with everything else. If you’re interested in using Orton-Gillingham but don’t have the time or resources for training, this curriculum can be a lifesaver. It’s perfect for small groups or one-on-one instruction. You’ll get all the multisensory methods OG is known for, without the hours of prep work.
Common Myths About Orton-Gillingham and Training
Myth 1: Only Certified Instructors Can Use Orton-Gillingham
This isn’t true. While certification is beneficial, especially for working with students who have severe reading difficulties, parents and teachers can still use OG principles without formal training. Our curriculum simplifies the process, so anyone can follow it.
Myth 2: Orton-Gillingham Is Too Complicated for Parents
I’ve heard this one a lot, and I get it. OG can sound overwhelming. But the truth is, it’s just a method that breaks reading into steps. We’ve made it easy by designing lessons that guide you through every step.
Myth 3: You Need to Be a Dyslexia Expert to Use OG
You don’t need to be an expert to help your child or students. With the right tools and resources, like our ready-made curriculum, you can start using OG strategies right away, even if you’re not trained.
FAQs About Orton-Gillingham and Training
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need to be certified to use Orton-Gillingham? | No, while certification is helpful for specialists, our ready-made curriculum allows anyone to use OG techniques without formal training. |
| Can parents use Orton-Gillingham at home without training? | Absolutely! Our curriculum is designed to help parents use OG principles at home, with no previous experience needed. |
| Where can I get Orton-Gillingham training? | Accredited programs are offered by the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (AOGPE) and the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). |
| Is Orton-Gillingham training expensive? | It can be. Training programs can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on the certification level and provider. |
Conclusion: You Don’t Need Formal Training to Get Started with Orton-Gillingham
While formal training in Orton-Gillingham is valuable—especially if you’re a teacher or specialist working with dyslexic students—it’s not a requirement for using OG strategies. If you’re a parent or teacher looking to help a struggling reader, our ready-made Orton-Gillingham curriculum offers a practical, easy-to-follow solution. You don’t need certification to start making a difference.
Ready to get started? Explore our Orton-Gillingham curriculum and see how you can begin helping your child or students today.