Orton-Gillingham supposed to help, but it’s just…not?
You’ve heard Orton-Gillingham (OG) is the gold standard for reading help. Maybe you’ve tried everything. Maybe you’ve been to specialists, invested time, energy, and hope, and yet, here you are. Your 5th grader is still struggling. They’re stuck, and you’re wondering—where did things go wrong? Is there really no good reading help for 5th graders?
I get it. As someone who’s worked with students in urban classrooms for over a decade, I’ve seen kids who don’t respond right away to OG or other popular methods. Sometimes, it’s about finding the right approach, adjusting the steps, or taking a new look at your child’s specific needs. Let’s dig into why OG might not seem to be working and what we can do about it.
Why Orton-Gillingham Works for So Many—But Not Always Right Away
Orton-Gillingham is known for its structured, multisensory approach. It’s based on teaching phonics, phonemic awareness, and structured literacy in ways that work for many struggling readers, especially those with dyslexia. Kids see letters, they say the sounds, they trace the shapes—OG works to engage multiple senses at once, helping make reading less of a mystery.
But here’s the thing: it’s not a magic wand. For some kids, OG alone might not be enough, or it might not seem to “click” right away. I had a student named Ben who went through months of OG but was still struggling with basic sounds and letters. It wasn’t the program’s fault. For Ben, the solution wasn’t to give up on OG; it was to understand what was missing.
Reassessing Your Child’s Needs: The Missing Puzzle Pieces
When OG isn’t working, the first step isn’t throwing it out. It’s reassessment. Ask yourself, “What does my child truly need?”
1. Learning Profile:
Every kid is different. Some are more visual learners, while others need auditory or tactile support. OG is adaptable, but knowing your child’s primary learning style can help tailor the approach. Maybe your child needs more hands-on activities. For Ben, we added more “tactile” learning—tracing letters in sand, making letters out of clay. And suddenly, things started to make sense for him.
2. Updated Assessments:
An educational psychologist or reading specialist can help pinpoint if your child has other learning challenges that may be affecting progress. ADHD, memory processing issues, or visual processing disorders can all impact how well OG is received. Getting an assessment could give insight into the unique way your child’s brain works.
3. Examining Progress Closely:
Take a look at where the struggles are. Is it with decoding, fluency, or comprehension? OG is flexible, so by identifying specific problem areas, you can work with your child’s teacher to adapt OG lessons to target those exact areas.
Adjusting Orton-Gillingham to Fit Individual Needs: Making It Work
Once you’ve reassessed, consider the adjustments that can make OG more effective for your child. Here are some ways I’ve seen success when kids need a bit of extra support.
1. Boosting Multisensory Learning:
OG is already multisensory, but sometimes a little more goes a long way. For some kids, drawing letters in sand while saying the sounds, using finger-tapping exercises, or even standing up and tracing letters in the air can make all the difference. These methods may seem simple, but they help students make new connections between sounds and letters.
2. Adjusting Pacing and Practice Time:
Every child learns at a different pace. If your child is struggling, slowing down and giving more time on certain steps might help. I worked with a student named Lisa who needed to repeat certain lessons more than her peers, but with each repetition, her confidence grew. Repetition, after all, is the mother of learning.
3. Adding Technology and Fun Tools:
There are some great apps and online tools that can reinforce OG skills. Programs like ABCmouse or Starfall have engaging phonics games that reinforce what OG teaches. For older kids, using tools like Nessy Reading or fluency drills with Read Naturally can help fill in gaps and make learning more enjoyable.
Adding Extra Support: Programs to Consider Alongside Orton-Gillingham
If OG needs some extra reinforcement, don’t worry—there are supplemental programs that can help. These tools aren’t replacements but can act as strong supports to OG, giving your child a well-rounded learning experience.
1. Structured Literacy Programs Beyond OG:
Programs like Wilson Reading System and Barton Reading and Spelling are built on the same structured literacy principles as OG. They provide similar multisensory, step-by-step methods but sometimes present information in slightly different ways. For some kids, these small shifts make a big difference.
2. Phonemic Awareness Programs:
If phonemic awareness is a weak spot, adding a program focused purely on sounds can help. Programs like Heggerty Phonemic Awareness provide targeted exercises that can strengthen this foundational skill, which will benefit OG lessons too.
3. Fluency and Comprehension Tools:
For fluency practice, Read Naturally offers repetitive reading exercises to help kids build speed. For comprehension, Visualizing and Verbalizing helps students connect words with mental images, which is especially helpful for students who struggle with making meaning from text.
Why a Trained Orton-Gillingham Specialist Can Make a Difference
Sometimes it comes down to the teacher. Not all OG instructors have the same level of experience or training. Finding a specialist who has experience with older students and complex learning profiles can make all the difference.
1. Specialized Training Matters:
Some OG specialists have advanced certifications or training in working with specific groups, like older students or those with additional learning needs. Finding an experienced OG instructor can bring new energy and personalized strategies that work.
2. Individualized Lessons and Custom Strategies:
A trained specialist can tailor the lessons in a way that suits the child’s needs, whether it’s slowing down certain lessons, focusing more on challenging areas, or using unique techniques that they’ve picked up from years of experience. These lessons are all about finding the method that “clicks” for the child.
3. Collaboration Between School and Private Tutors:
If your child receives OG at school, adding private sessions or working closely with the school tutor can provide additional, consistent support. When I worked with students who received both school and private OG support, the difference in progress was noticeable.
Common Myths About Reading Help for Older Students
When kids are struggling to read in 5th grade, misconceptions can cause more stress than help. Let’s clear up a few myths.
Myth 1: Orton-Gillingham Only Works for Younger Children
I’ve heard parents and even some teachers say OG is for little kids. That’s not true. I’ve used OG with middle schoolers and even high school students. OG works for anyone who needs structured reading help, no matter their age.
Myth 2: If OG Doesn’t Work, Nothing Will
This one is tough. Sometimes parents think, “If OG isn’t helping, nothing can.” But that’s not true. Every child learns differently, and sometimes it’s just about finding the right approach. With reassessment, targeted adaptations, or supplemental programs, success is often within reach.
Myth 3: Older Students Are Too Old to Improve in Reading
You’re never too old to improve. I once worked with a 6th grader named Jake, who was behind in reading and convinced he’d never catch up. But after six months of targeted OG sessions, combined with phonemic awareness work, he made serious progress. Jake’s story is proof that age doesn’t stop improvement—attitude and the right tools make the difference.
FAQs About What to Do When Orton-Gillingham Isn’t Working
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is it common for students to struggle with Orton-Gillingham at first? | Yes, some students need time to adapt, especially if they have additional challenges like ADHD or dyslexia. |
| How can I tell if my child needs more help beyond Orton-Gillingham? | If progress is minimal or frustration remains high, a reassessment by a reading specialist can provide insight. |
| Are there other programs that work well with OG? | Yes, programs like Wilson Reading, Barton, or Read Naturally can support OG by targeting specific skills. |
| How long should I wait before considering other programs? | Allow several months for progress, but seek additional support if improvement stalls. |
Conclusion: Adapting Orton-Gillingham for Long-Term Success
If Orton-Gillingham doesn’t seem to be working, it’s not the end of the road. With reassessment, customized approaches, and possibly some additional support, OG can still be the right choice for your child. Remember, every reading journey is unique. Your child’s path may look different from others, and that’s okay.