Can one program really change how first graders read?
If you’re a parent or teacher of a first grader struggling with reading, you know the frustration and worry that can build up. You’ve tried picture books, phonics games, maybe even extra tutoring sessions. Yet, nothing seems to make reading “click.” That’s where Orton-Gillingham steps in. Orton-Gillingham (OG) is designed to provide struggling readers with the structured, multisensory help they need to decode and read confidently.
I’m Adam Free, and as a teacher with over a decade of experience working in urban schools, I’ve used the OG program with kids from low socio-economic backgrounds, including those with dyslexia or other reading difficulties. This program has helped turn reading from a dreaded task into something that makes kids feel proud. So, let’s dig into why Orton-Gillingham works so well for first graders, and how it can help your child or student find success in reading.
Why Orton-Gillingham Works So Well for First Graders
Orton-Gillingham isn’t just another reading program—it’s a structured, step-by-step method that gets right to the core of reading. First graders are at a crucial stage in their reading journey. This is where foundational skills are built, and a strong foundation matters. Orton-Gillingham is known for its structured literacy approach, meaning that every lesson builds on the last in a predictable way. This type of instruction doesn’t overwhelm first graders but, instead, allows them to feel successful step by step.
Multisensory Techniques:
OG doesn’t rely on a single learning style. Instead, it taps into multiple senses—sight, sound, and touch—to reinforce reading skills. For example, when I worked with Sarah, a first grader struggling to connect sounds and letters, we’d trace letters in sand while saying the sounds out loud. This tactile activity helped her remember the sounds much faster than if she’d only seen them on paper.
Structured Literacy Foundation:
The program is extremely methodical, starting with basic sounds and gradually moving to more complex word patterns. First graders learn each skill in small steps, and they don’t move on until they’ve mastered the current lesson. This approach keeps students from feeling frustrated or left behind.
How Orton-Gillingham Teaches Phonemic Awareness to First Graders
What Is Phonemic Awareness?
Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds (or phonemes) in words. This is a critical skill for reading success, as it’s the foundation of phonics. Without phonemic awareness, students may struggle to decode words or understand how sounds make up words.
Orton-Gillingham Activities for Phonemic Awareness:
OG uses games and activities that first graders love, like clapping out syllables, playing rhyming games, or identifying beginning and ending sounds. When I worked with a student named Michael, who found it hard to differentiate sounds, we played a game where he’d clap for each syllable in a word. These fun exercises helped him start breaking down words, building his confidence as he tackled more difficult sounds.
Why Phonemic Awareness Is Essential for First Graders:
Phonemic awareness helps first graders understand that words are made up of individual sounds, setting them up for success with phonics. If a student lacks phonemic awareness, they may struggle to make progress in reading. This step-by-step approach ensures students understand one skill before moving to the next.
Teaching Phonics in Orton-Gillingham: Connecting Sounds with Letters
Phonics is the bridge between hearing sounds and seeing them in words. In OG, phonics instruction is systematic, starting with simple letter sounds and building up to more complex patterns. This method helps first graders understand that reading is a predictable process they can learn, even if it takes time.
How OG Teaches Phonics to First Graders:
Orton-Gillingham introduces phonics in a specific order, beginning with the most common sounds and moving on to blends, digraphs, and eventually, complex words. This sequence helps first graders connect the sounds they’ve learned to letters, giving them tools to read new words with confidence.
Multisensory Phonics Activities in OG:
OG’s phonics instruction includes hands-on activities that make phonics fun. For instance, students might use letter tiles to build words, trace letters with their fingers, or tap out sounds on their fingers. These tactile activities help students engage more deeply with reading. I’ve seen students light up when they can physically move letters around and “see” sounds come together to form words.
Building Fluency in First Grade with Orton-Gillingham
What Is Fluency, and Why Does It Matter?
Fluency is reading smoothly, accurately, and with expression. For first graders, building fluency means they can shift from just “sounding out” words to understanding the rhythm of language. Fluency is essential because it allows students to focus on understanding the story rather than getting stuck on each word.
OG Strategies for Building Fluency:
Orton-Gillingham includes techniques like repeated reading, where students read the same text several times to build speed and accuracy. Sight word practice and chunking (breaking down sentences into manageable parts) help first graders read with more flow. When my student Katie first started working on fluency, she was frustrated by how long it took to read even a short sentence. But after practicing with repeated reading, she found herself reading entire lines without stopping.
Progressive Practice:
In OG, fluency isn’t forced. Students start by reading simple, repetitive phrases and build up to more complex sentences. This gradual approach lets them feel successful and builds confidence, leading to a smoother reading experience.
Vocabulary and Comprehension: Developing Deeper Understanding
For first graders, learning vocabulary and comprehension skills can make the difference between simply reading words and truly understanding them. OG supports vocabulary growth through direct instruction, introducing new words gradually and reinforcing them in meaningful ways.
Building Vocabulary with Orton-Gillingham:
OG uses word walls, flashcards, and thematic word lists to introduce new vocabulary in ways that make sense for first graders. I once worked with a boy named Danny who had trouble understanding basic vocabulary. By using word walls and adding new words each week, Danny began to understand and use those words in context.
Improving Comprehension in OG:
To boost comprehension, OG teaches students to retell stories, ask questions about the text, and make predictions. When students can relate to the text, they start making connections beyond just decoding words. For first graders, these activities make reading fun and engaging, turning it into an experience rather than just a task.
Orton-Gillingham’s Use of Individualized Instruction for First Graders
One of OG’s greatest strengths is its ability to adapt to each child’s unique needs. Not every first grader learns the same way, and OG allows for that flexibility.
Diagnostic and Prescriptive Teaching:
OG’s individualized approach involves regularly assessing each student and tailoring lessons to their needs. For example, if a student struggles with blends, OG instructors can spend extra time reinforcing that concept. When I had a student who needed more help with specific sounds, we’d slow down and focus on that skill until it clicked. This custom approach is one of the reasons OG is so successful.
Adapting for Different Learning Styles:
Whether a student learns best by seeing, hearing, or touching, OG provides methods to support each style. The program’s flexibility is key for first graders who are still figuring out how they learn best. Some kids thrive with tactile activities, while others benefit from visual aids, and OG can be adapted to meet those needs.
Common Myths About Orton-Gillingham for First Graders
Myth 1: Orton-Gillingham Is Only for Kids with Dyslexia
While OG is a fantastic program for students with dyslexia, it’s effective for any struggling reader who needs extra support. The program’s structured, multisensory approach benefits all first graders by building a solid reading foundation.
Myth 2: OG Is Too Structured for Young Kids
Some people think OG is too rigid for first graders. But, in fact, young kids thrive on predictable routines. OG’s structure provides the consistency that first graders need to feel confident and succeed in reading.
Myth 3: It’s Too Early to Focus on Phonemic Awareness and Phonics
Building phonemic awareness and phonics skills early on is crucial. These foundational skills are what make reading possible, and first grade is the perfect time to start. OG’s emphasis on these skills gives first graders the tools they need to become strong readers.
FAQs About Orton-Gillingham for First Graders
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Orton-Gillingham effective for first graders? | Yes, OG is highly effective, especially for students who need structured reading help. |
| How often should first graders have OG lessons? | Ideally, OG lessons should occur several times a week, with sessions lasting 30-60 minutes. |
| Do first graders need to be diagnosed with dyslexia to benefit from OG? | No, OG is beneficial for any struggling reader, not just those with dyslexia. |
| Are there resources for parents to use OG at home? | Yes, there are many OG-based activities and programs parents can use to support reading at home. |
Conclusion: Why Orton-Gillingham Is the Perfect Reading Help for First Graders
Orton-Gillingham’s structured, multisensory approach is ideal for helping first graders build the skills they need to read confidently. From phonemic awareness and phonics to fluency and comprehension, OG provides a comprehensive framework that addresses every aspect of reading.
Whether your first grader is just beginning their reading journey or needs extra support, Orton-Gillingham can be the key to helping them grow into confident readers.