Can one approach really change the game for struggling readers?
If you’re a parent or teacher working with a student who just can’t seem to crack the code of reading, you’ve probably heard of Orton-Gillingham. This isn’t just another reading program—it’s known for actually making a difference in the lives of students, especially those with dyslexia or other reading struggles. So, how does it work? And why does it seem to “click” when other methods fall short?
I’m Adam Free, and over my years teaching in urban classrooms, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful Orton-Gillingham can be. It doesn’t just teach kids to read; it builds confidence, bit by bit, for students who might feel like reading will never be easy. Let’s take a look at why this approach matters and exactly how it can transform the reading journey.
The Origins of Orton-Gillingham: What Makes It Different?
Orton-Gillingham (OG) isn’t just some trendy program—it’s been around since the 1930s. Dr. Samuel Orton, a neuropsychiatrist, and Anna Gillingham, an educator, created it specifically to help students who struggled with reading. At the time, many of these students were dismissed as “incapable,” but Orton and Gillingham saw potential. They believed in a structured, research-based approach that teaches students how language works.
What makes OG different? It’s not a quick fix. Instead, it’s a systematic, step-by-step program that focuses on each part of reading. OG taps into the science of how our brains learn to read, which is why it’s especially helpful for those with dyslexia. But it’s not just for kids with learning differences. Any struggling reader can benefit.
The Core of Orton-Gillingham: What Sets It Apart?
Let’s break down what makes OG effective. There are four main pillars: multisensory learning, structured literacy, explicit instruction, and diagnostic teaching.
1. Multisensory Learning:
OG involves multiple senses in each lesson. Students see letters, say sounds out loud, trace shapes with their fingers, and sometimes even move around. This taps into sight, sound, and touch. The more ways kids engage with the material, the better they understand it. I’ve seen kids light up when they trace letters in sand or shape sounds with clay. The tactile component connects the abstract idea of letters with something they can feel.
2. Structured Literacy:
OG doesn’t leave anything to chance. It follows a set sequence, starting with basics like individual letter sounds and gradually moving to complex words. Kids don’t move on until they understand each step, which builds confidence. The structured approach is especially comforting to struggling readers who need a clear path forward.
3. Explicit and Direct Instruction:
OG teachers don’t expect kids to guess or “pick up” reading on their own. Every rule of language is taught directly. Students learn phonics rules, blending techniques, and decoding strategies without shortcuts. This approach is a lifesaver for students who need clear, direct guidance.
4. Diagnostic and Prescriptive Teaching:
OG isn’t one-size-fits-all. Teachers constantly monitor students and adjust lessons to meet their specific needs. When I had a student named James, who struggled with certain vowel sounds, we spent extra time there, making sure he mastered each sound before moving on. This individualized approach means every student gets exactly what they need to succeed.
Building Phonemic Awareness: The First Step in Orton-Gillingham
Phonemic awareness is the foundation of reading. It’s the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds in words, and OG puts a strong emphasis on this from day one. Without phonemic awareness, it’s almost impossible to learn phonics or decode words.
Activities in OG to Develop Phonemic Awareness:
In OG, we use activities that focus on listening for sounds. Students might clap out syllables or play sound-matching games. I remember working with a student named Sarah. She struggled to hear the difference between /p/ and /b/. With games that isolated these sounds, Sarah eventually caught on, and it opened the door to learning phonics.
Why Phonemic Awareness Matters:
Phonemic awareness is a bit like the “entry ticket” to reading. Once students can hear and break apart sounds, they’re ready to learn how to connect these sounds to letters. OG’s approach is especially helpful for those who haven’t yet mastered this crucial skill.
Phonics Instruction: Making Sense of Letters and Sounds
Phonics is all about connecting sounds to letters. For students to read new words confidently, they need a solid understanding of phonics, and OG tackles this systematically.
How OG Teaches Phonics:
OG introduces letters and sounds in a specific order. Kids start with consonants and short vowels, then move to blends, digraphs, and eventually multisyllabic words. This order isn’t random—it’s carefully designed so students build on what they’ve learned. Each new lesson reinforces and expands their understanding of the previous one.
Multisensory Phonics Activities:
In OG, students might use letter tiles to build words or tap their fingers to blend sounds. Activities like these make phonics interactive. I’ve had students who found it hard to remember rules until they had something tangible to hold and work with.
By focusing on phonics in a structured way, OG helps kids become confident decoders. They’re no longer guessing at words but actually reading them.
Developing Fluency: From Decoding to Smooth Reading
Fluency is the ability to read smoothly and with ease. It’s about speed, accuracy, and expression, and it’s an essential skill for comprehension. However, fluency often trips up struggling readers. OG helps build fluency gradually, focusing on accuracy first and speed second.
Fluency-Building Activities in OG:
OG uses techniques like repeated reading and sight word practice to build fluency. Students might read the same text several times until they can do it smoothly. By reinforcing sight words and familiar text, OG allows students to practice without frustration.
How Fluency Helps Overall Reading:
As students become fluent, they can focus more on understanding the story, not just decoding words. With OG, I’ve seen students move from reading every word slowly to reading in phrases, which makes reading feel natural and enjoyable.
Vocabulary and Comprehension: Going Beyond Just Reading Words
Vocabulary and comprehension are where reading comes alive. OG teaches students to understand and use new words, expanding their vocabulary in meaningful ways.
How OG Builds Vocabulary:
OG introduces vocabulary in context. Teachers might use flashcards or word walls to reinforce new words, and students are encouraged to use these words in sentences or stories. This helps make words memorable. I had a student, Tom, who didn’t know the meaning of “gentle.” After adding it to our word wall and using it in different activities, he started using it correctly in his own sentences.
Boosting Comprehension in OG:
Comprehension isn’t just about understanding words; it’s about connecting with the story. OG incorporates story retelling, question-and-answer activities, and summary skills, helping students engage with the text.
Individualized Instruction: Adapting OG to Meet Each Student’s Needs
One of the best things about OG is how flexible it is. Every lesson can be customized, making it as unique as each student.
Diagnostic Teaching:
Teachers assess students frequently and adjust based on what they need. If a student struggles with certain sounds or blends, we take extra time there. This is what makes OG so successful for students who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
Adapting to Learning Styles:
OG can be adapted for different learners. Whether a child is a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner, OG’s multisensory techniques allow them to learn in ways that make sense to them. In my own classes, I’ve found that adapting lessons to fit learning styles helps students grasp challenging concepts faster.
Debunking Common Myths About Orton-Gillingham
Myth 1: Orton-Gillingham Is Only for Dyslexia
While OG is highly effective for students with dyslexia, it benefits any struggling reader who needs structured literacy instruction. I’ve used it with students who didn’t have dyslexia but simply needed extra support with reading.
Myth 2: Orton-Gillingham Is Too Rigid
Some people think OG is “too rigid” because of its structured approach. However, the structured nature of OG is what makes it adaptable. The flexibility lies in how each lesson can be adjusted for individual needs.
Myth 3: Orton-Gillingham Is Outdated
OG might have been created in the 1930s, but it’s far from outdated. The program has been refined to incorporate the latest research in the Science of Reading, making it more effective than ever.
FAQs About How Orton-Gillingham Works
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Who can benefit from Orton-Gillingham? | OG is primarily for struggling readers and those with dyslexia, but any student needing structured literacy help can benefit. |
How quickly can results be seen with OG? | Progress depends on the child, but many see improvement within a few months of consistent instruction. |
Can Orton-Gillingham be used in classrooms? | Yes, OG methods can be adapted for whole-class instruction, though it’s often used in small groups or one-on-one. |
Do teachers need special training to use OG? | Yes, OG requires specific training to ensure it’s implemented effectively, especially for students with special needs. |
Conclusion: Why Orton-Gillingham Works for Struggling Readers
Orton-Gillingham’s unique approach combines multisensory learning, structured instruction, and individualized support to help students become confident readers. It’s a program that makes reading accessible, even for those who struggle the most.
If you’re a parent or teacher looking for a program that works, Orton-Gillingham could be the answer. Its evidence-backed methods don’t just teach reading; they build a foundation for a lifetime of learning. And in my experience, nothing is more rewarding than watching a student finally “get it.”
Short Vowel Orton Gillingham Curriculum
Digraph Orton Gillingham Curriculum
Blends Orton Gillingham Curriculum