Why Orton-Gillingham Works: The Secret Behind What is. the Orton Gillingham Method and Why it Works

Why Orton-Gillingham Works: The Secret Behind What is. the Orton Gillingham Method and Why it Works

Did you know that around 15-20% of children struggle with dyslexia? That’s roughly one in five kids, and it’s not just about mixing up letters. Many of these children feel like they’re falling behind. As a teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how kids lose confidence and start to dislike reading when they’re not getting the right kind of help. But here’s the good news: Orton-Gillingham (OG) can change everything. It’s a method that’s been working for decades, and today I’ll tell you exactly why it works so well.

What Is the Orton-Gillingham Method?

Orton-Gillingham isn’t just another reading program. It’s a system, a way of teaching that makes learning easier for kids who struggle with reading, especially those with dyslexia. The method was developed in the 1930s by Dr. Samuel Orton and educator Anna Gillingham to help students who found reading particularly difficult.

I remember using Orton-Gillingham for the first time with a boy named Marcus. He was in third grade, and reading was a daily battle for him. No matter how hard he tried, the letters didn’t seem to make sense. When we started using OG, it was like flipping a switch. Suddenly, he could sound out words, recognize patterns, and read more fluently. The key? Orton-Gillingham teaches kids in small steps, making sure they truly understand one concept before moving to the next. It’s structured, but also flexible enough to meet kids where they are.

How Orton-Gillingham Works: The Magic of Multisensory Learning

One of the reasons Orton-Gillingham is so effective is because it taps into multiple senses. Kids don’t just read a word; they see it, hear it, say it, and even touch it. For instance, I had my students trace letters in sand while saying the sounds aloud. This simple act of using touch, sight, and sound together helped them remember the letter-sound connections more effectively.

When we engage more than one sense, the brain creates stronger connections. Research backs this up—students remember more when they learn in multisensory ways. This is especially true for kids with dyslexia or other reading struggles. They often need more repetition, and OG gives them that, but in a way that’s engaging and interactive.

Structured Literacy: Why Step-by-Step Works Best

The heart of Orton-Gillingham lies in its structured approach. Kids aren’t thrown into reading with no guidance. Instead, they’re taught the building blocks of language in a very clear, step-by-step way. This starts with the basics, like letter sounds (phonics), and moves slowly to more complex skills like blending sounds into words or reading multisyllabic words.

In my years of teaching, I’ve seen a lot of methods that expect kids to figure things out as they go. That doesn’t work for kids who are struggling. They need explicit instruction. OG breaks everything down into manageable pieces, which builds confidence. Imagine teaching someone how to build a house. You don’t start with the roof. You start with the foundation, and that’s exactly how OG teaches reading.

Why Explicit Phonics Instruction Is Key to Success

Here’s another reason Orton-Gillingham works: it teaches phonics explicitly. In many classrooms, students are asked to guess words from pictures or context clues. But that doesn’t help kids learn to decode—especially those with dyslexia. OG focuses on teaching the rules of language. This way, kids understand why words sound the way they do.

I worked with a girl named Sarah who used to guess words based on pictures. When the pictures weren’t there, she struggled. Through Orton-Gillingham, we focused on phonics—breaking words down into sounds. Soon, she didn’t need to guess anymore. She could figure out the words on her own. That’s the power of phonics.

Personalized Instruction: One Size Does Not Fit All

One of the best things about Orton-Gillingham is how adaptable it is. Every child learns at their own pace. OG allows teachers to personalize instruction. If a student is having trouble with a particular sound, the teacher can slow down and spend more time on that. If another student is ready to move on, they can do that too.

I had a student, Alex, who needed extra time learning the difference between "b" and "d." Instead of rushing him through it, we worked on just those two letters for as long as he needed. When he was finally ready, we moved on, and he didn’t feel left behind or confused. That flexibility is what makes OG work for all kinds of learners—not just those with dyslexia.

The Science Behind Orton-Gillingham: Backed by Research

You may wonder, “Does this method really work?” The answer is yes, and there’s science to prove it. Studies have shown that kids who receive structured literacy instruction, like Orton-Gillingham, improve their reading skills significantly. This is especially true for kids with dyslexia.

In fact, brain imaging studies have found that kids with dyslexia process language differently. They don’t use the same parts of the brain as kids who find reading easy. But the good news is that with methods like Orton-Gillingham, these kids can “rewire” their brains to read more effectively. It’s not magic; it’s science. And OG taps into that science by teaching in a way that works with how the brain learns.

Who Benefits from Orton-Gillingham? (Hint: It’s Not Just for Dyslexia)

While Orton-Gillingham is known for helping kids with dyslexia, it’s not just for them. I’ve used it with all kinds of struggling readers. It’s great for kids who are behind in reading or who’ve never had proper phonics instruction.

I had a student, Jackson, who didn’t have dyslexia but struggled with reading comprehension. Using Orton-Gillingham, we worked on his decoding skills, and that made a huge difference. He went from barely reading to confidently picking up chapter books. So, whether your child has dyslexia or is just having a tough time learning to read, OG can help.

Common Myths About Orton-Gillingham: What People Get Wrong

There are some myths floating around about Orton-Gillingham, so let’s clear them up.

Myth 1: Orton-Gillingham Is Only for Dyslexic Kids
While it’s true that OG was designed for students with dyslexia, it works for any struggling reader. It’s a method that can be adapted to any child’s needs.

Myth 2: Orton-Gillingham Is Too Old-Fashioned
Some people think OG is outdated because it was developed in the 1930s. But the truth is, the method has been updated and remains one of the most effective ways to teach reading today.

Myth 3: Orton-Gillingham Doesn’t Focus on Comprehension
Orton-Gillingham starts with decoding skills, but it doesn’t stop there. Once kids master the basics, they move on to fluency and comprehension, making them strong, well-rounded readers.

FAQs About Orton-Gillingham

Question Answer
Is Orton-Gillingham just for kids with dyslexia? No, it works for any struggling reader, not just those with dyslexia.
Can parents use Orton-Gillingham at home? Yes, with the right resources, parents can implement OG methods at home to help their kids improve reading skills.
How long does it take to see progress with OG? Progress depends on the child, but many see improvements in reading fluency and decoding within a few months.
Can older students benefit from Orton-Gillingham? Absolutely. OG can be adapted for older students, even those in middle or high school, to help them strengthen their reading skills.


Conclusion: Why Orton-Gillingham Works

Orton-Gillingham works because it’s systematic, structured, and flexible. It engages kids with multisensory activities, teaches phonics explicitly, and is adaptable for each learner’s needs. I’ve seen kids go from struggling readers to confident ones, all because of this method.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or someone who works with struggling readers, Orton-Gillingham can make a difference. If you’re looking for a proven way to help your child or students succeed in reading, this is it.

Ready to get started? Explore our Orton-Gillingham resources and curriculum today to bring this powerful method into your home or classroom.

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