how does orton gillingham work

2 min read 31-08-2024

Orton-Gillingham (OG) is a structured, multisensory approach to teaching reading and writing, primarily designed for individuals with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. This method is highly individualized and emphasizes the understanding of the relationships between sounds (phonemes) and letters (graphemes). Let's delve into the foundational principles and methodologies of the Orton-Gillingham approach.

Principles of Orton-Gillingham

1. Multisensory Learning

Orton-Gillingham incorporates multiple senses in the learning process. This means that students engage visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities to help reinforce their understanding of language. For example, students might:

Visual: Use color-coded letters or written texts.
Auditory: Listen to sounds and phonetic patterns.
Kinesthetic: Trace letters in sand or use manipulatives to form words.

2. Structured and Sequential

The OG approach follows a structured sequence, starting from basic concepts and gradually progressing to more complex language skills. Instruction typically begins with the fundamentals of phonemic awareness and phonics before moving into more advanced reading and writing strategies. This progression is crucial for building a strong foundation for literacy.

3. Individualized Instruction

Each student's learning pace and style is taken into consideration. OG practitioners assess individual needs and tailor lessons accordingly. This ensures that students receive targeted support, making it effective for a diverse range of learners, especially those with learning differences.

4. Emphasis on Phonemic Awareness

Phonemic awareness—the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate sounds in spoken words—is a key focus in the OG approach. Students engage in activities that help them break down words into individual sounds, allowing for better decoding and spelling skills.

How Orton-Gillingham is Implemented

1. Assessment

Before beginning instruction, practitioners assess the student's reading abilities to identify strengths and weaknesses. This may include informal assessments and observations to create a tailored learning plan.

2. Direct Instruction

Lessons are typically one-on-one or in small groups. Direct instruction includes teaching sound-symbol relationships, blending sounds to form words, and segmenting words into their constituent sounds.

3. Practice and Reinforcement

Students engage in extensive practice activities that reinforce learned concepts. This can include reading exercises, writing tasks, and spelling drills that are designed to be engaging and relevant to the student’s interests.

4. Progress Monitoring

Regular assessments and progress checks ensure that students are mastering skills and making improvements. Adjustments to the instructional approach are made as necessary based on these evaluations.

Benefits of the Orton-Gillingham Approach

Improves Reading Skills: By focusing on phonemic awareness and phonics, OG effectively improves reading accuracy and fluency.
Builds Confidence: As students gain skills and experience success, their confidence in reading and writing increases.
Addresses Diverse Learning Needs: The individualized nature of OG makes it suitable for learners with various abilities and challenges, ensuring that all students can benefit.

Conclusion

The Orton-Gillingham approach is a powerful tool for teaching reading and writing, especially for those with dyslexia and other related challenges. By utilizing a multisensory, structured, and individualized methodology, it not only enhances literacy skills but also builds a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Whether in a classroom or through individualized tutoring, the principles of Orton-Gillingham offer effective strategies to support and empower learners on their literacy journey.