How the Orton-Gillingham Method Can Help Learners with Dyslexia

If you are looking for a way to help your child or student who struggles with reading, spelling, and writing, you may have heard of the Orton-Gillingham approach. But what exactly is it and how does it work? In this blog post, we will explain the basics of Orton-Gillingham and why it is effective for learners with dyslexia and other language-based learning difficulties.

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Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects the way the brain processes written and spoken language. It can cause difficulties with reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension. Dyslexia is not a sign of low intelligence or laziness. It is a lifelong condition that can be managed with appropriate instruction and support.

One of the most effective ways to teach literacy skills to learners with dyslexia is the Orton-Gillingham method. This method was developed by Dr. Samuel Orton, a neurologist who studied the brain basis of dyslexia, and Anna Gillingham, an educator and psychologist who designed a systematic and multisensory curriculum based on Orton's findings.

Orton-Gillingham is not a specific program or curriculum, but rather a set of principles and techniques that can be applied to various reading programs and materials. It was developed in the early 20th century by Samuel Orton, a neurologist who studied the brain and language, and Anna Gillingham, an educator and psychologist who trained teachers in Orton's methods. Together, they created an approach that addresses the needs of students who have trouble connecting sounds and letters, which is the core difficulty of dyslexia.

The Orton-Gillingham method is based on the following principles:
  1. Direct: The teacher provides explicit and direct instruction on the structure and patterns of language, such as phonics, syllables, morphology, grammar, and syntax.
  2. Explicit: The teacher explains the rules and logic behind each concept and skill, leaving no room for guessing or confusion.
  3. Multisensory: The teacher engages the learner's visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile senses to reinforce learning and memory.
  4. Structured: The teacher follows a logical and sequential order of instruction, starting from the simplest to the most complex elements of language.
  5. Sequential: The teacher introduces one concept or skill at a time and reviews previous ones before moving on to the next.
  6. Diagnostic: The teacher assesses the learner's strengths and weaknesses and adapts the instruction accordingly.
  7. Prescriptive: The teacher plans and delivers individualized lessons based on the learner's needs and goals.
  8. Cumulative: The teacher builds on previous knowledge and skills and ensures mastery before introducing new ones.
  9. Cognitive: The teacher helps the learner understand how language works and how to apply it in different contexts.
The Orton-Gillingham method has been proven to be effective for learners with dyslexia by numerous research studies. It helps them develop phonological awareness, decoding skills, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, spelling, writing, and self-confidence. It also fosters a positive attitude towards learning and reading.

If you are looking for a way to help your child or student with dyslexia improve their literacy skills, you may want to consider the Orton-Gillingham method. You can find certified Orton-Gillingham practitioners and educators online or in your area who can provide high-quality instruction and support. You can also access online resources and materials that follow the Orton-Gillingham approach.

The Orton-Gillingham method is not a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires time, patience, practice, and consistency. However, it can make a significant difference in the lives of learners with dyslexia by helping them unlock their potential and achieve their academic goals.

Orton-Gillingham is a proven approach that has helped millions of students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties achieve success in reading and writing. It is widely recognized by experts as one of the most effective ways to teach literacy skills to students who need extra support. 

If you are interested in learning more about Orton-Gillingham or finding a qualified tutor or program for your child or student, you can visit the websites of the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (https://www.ortonacademy.org/) or Orton-Gillingham (https://www.orton-gillingham.com/).

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