orton gillingham alphabet chart

2 min read 03-09-2024

The Orton-Gillingham approach is a widely used method for teaching reading and writing, especially to individuals with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. One of the essential tools in this method is the Orton-Gillingham Alphabet Chart, which serves as a visual guide to help learners understand the relationship between sounds and letters.

What is the Orton-Gillingham Approach?

The Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach is a structured, systematic, and multisensory method of teaching reading and writing. It focuses on phonics and the connections between letters and sounds, making it effective for those who struggle with conventional methods of reading instruction.

Key Principles of the Orton-Gillingham Approach:

Multisensory Learning: Engages visual, auditory, and kinesthetic channels.
Structured and Sequential: Lessons are organized in a logical sequence.
Individualized Instruction: Tailors lessons to meet each student's needs.
Emphasis on Phonology: Focuses on the sounds of language and their corresponding letters.

Importance of the Alphabet Chart

The Orton-Gillingham Alphabet Chart plays a crucial role in the phonics component of the OG approach. It provides a clear visual representation of letters and their associated sounds, enabling students to make connections between phonemes and graphemes.

Benefits of Using the Alphabet Chart:

Visual Aid: Helps learners visualize the letters and sounds.
Sound-Letter Correspondence: Reinforces the connection between how words sound and how they are written.
Encourages Practice: Provides a reference point for students as they practice reading and writing.

Components of the Alphabet Chart

An effective Orton-Gillingham Alphabet Chart typically includes the following elements:

Uppercase and Lowercase Letters: Displays both forms of each letter.
Phonetic Symbols: Indicates sounds that correspond to each letter.
Example Words: Includes words that exemplify the sound of each letter.

Example Layout of an Alphabet Chart:

Letter	Sound	Example
A	/ă/ or /ā/	apple
B	/b/	bat
C	/k/ or /s/	cat/cell

How to Use the Alphabet Chart in Instruction

Introduce the Chart: Begin by explaining the purpose of the chart and how it can be used.
Model Sounds: Go through each letter, modeling the sound it makes and providing example words.
Interactive Practice: Encourage students to practice saying the sounds and identifying words that start with each letter.
Reinforce Through Writing: Use the chart as a reference during writing exercises to reinforce sound-letter correspondence.

Conclusion

The Orton-Gillingham Alphabet Chart is a fundamental resource in the OG approach to reading instruction. By providing a clear and organized representation of letters and sounds, it helps students develop essential reading skills. Implementing this chart effectively in lessons can significantly enhance learning outcomes for students, especially those with reading difficulties.

Additional Tips

Regularly review the chart with students to reinforce learning.
Integrate games and activities that utilize the alphabet chart to keep students engaged.
Customize the chart to include additional sounds or letters as needed to suit your learners.

Using the Orton-Gillingham Alphabet Chart as a central tool in teaching will undoubtedly contribute to a stronger foundation in literacy for students.