What is the Orton-Gillingham Approach?
The Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach is a method of teaching reading and spelling, designed primarily for individuals with dyslexia but beneficial for all students learning to read.
Developed in the 1930s by Dr. Samuel Orton, a neuropsychiatrist, and Anna Gillingham, an educator and psychologist, this approach has been widely recognized and adapted to help students with dyslexia and other reading challenges.
Science of Reading
The OG Approach is grounded in the Science of Reading, supported by over 30 years of research. This method teaches reading fundamentals in a systematic, personalized, and engaging way. Whether your child needs support with school-based reading programs or a comprehensive, stand-alone curriculum, OG instruction can make a difference.
Core features
- Multisensory learning: OG engages multiple senses (visual, auditory, kinesthetic and tactile) to reinforce learning and make sure concepts are mastered.
- Structured, sequential and cumulative: instruction begins with the simplest concepts and builds to more complex ones. Each new step is based on mastering the previous one, creating a solid foundation for reading and spelling.
- Explicit and direct instruction: skills are taught explicitly and directly, leaving no assumptions about prior knowledge, through modeling, leading, guided practice and review.
- Diagnostic and prescriptive: OG instruction is highly individualized. Cheryl continuously assesses your child’s progress and adjusts her teaching to their evolving needs.
- Customized courses: instruction begins at a student’s base level, set by pre-assessments. Progress is measured with progress monitoring and benchmarks throughout the course, and parents are routinely updated.
- Cognitive understanding: beyond memorizing words, your child learns the reasoning behind reading and spelling rules, so they understand and apply language concepts more deeply.
- Emotionally sound: Cheryl fosters a supportive, encouraging environment where your child feels safe, motivated and confident.
Who can benefit?
The OG Approach is designed for everyone. It is especially effective for students with:
- Dyslexia
- Learning disabilities
- English as a second language (English Language Learners)
Instruction levels
Phonological Awareness
For: grades K+, students who are learning to read; general education, ELLs and special education.
Focus: phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, orthographic mapping.
Comprehensive
For: grades K+, students who are learning to read; general education, ELLs and special education.
Focus: fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and word recognition skills such as phonology, decoding and spelling.
Morphology
For: grades 3+, students who are reading to learn, including those who can read and spell but still struggle with language comprehension; general education, special education and ELLs.
Focus: fluency, vocabulary, reading comprehension, written expression, and morphology (prefixes, suffixes, Latin and Greek bases) to improve comprehension and prepare for standardized tests.