orton gillingham lesson

2 min read 01-09-2024

The Orton-Gillingham approach is a structured, multi-sensory method designed to help individuals with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. It is based on the principles of phonics and integrates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning styles to enhance reading, writing, and spelling skills.

What is Orton-Gillingham?

The Orton-Gillingham approach was developed in the 1930s by Dr. Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham. It is one of the first methods specifically tailored to address the unique needs of students with dyslexia. This approach emphasizes:

Direct Instruction: Teaching is explicit and systematic.
Multi-sensory Techniques: Incorporating visual, auditory, and tactile learning experiences.
Individualized Learning: Lessons are tailored to meet the specific needs of each student.

Key Components of an Orton-Gillingham Lesson

1. Phonemic Awareness

At the start of the lesson, students engage in activities that strengthen their phonemic awareness—the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate the individual sounds in spoken words. This may include:

Rhyming games
Sound blending exercises
Segmenting words into individual sounds

2. Phonics Instruction

Phonics is a critical component of reading. Lessons typically involve teaching the relationship between letters and sounds. Techniques may include:

Introducing new sounds and letters
Teaching spelling rules
Practicing with phoneme-grapheme mapping

3. Multi-sensory Learning Activities

The Orton-Gillingham approach emphasizes learning through multiple senses. This can include:

Visual: Using colored letters or flashcards.
Auditory: Saying sounds and words aloud.
Kinesthetic: Writing letters in sand or using finger paints.

4. Reading Practice

Reading activities are tailored to the student’s level. This may involve:

Reading decodable texts that reinforce learned phonics skills
Sight word practice
Guided reading sessions

5. Writing and Spelling

To strengthen writing and spelling skills, students often:

Practice spelling words using multi-sensory techniques
Write sentences using learned vocabulary
Engage in dictation exercises

6. Assessment and Review

Regular assessment helps track progress. Teachers may conduct:

Informal assessments (like observations)
Formal tests to measure improvement in reading and spelling
Review sessions to reinforce previously learned material

Conclusion

The Orton-Gillingham approach is a highly effective method for teaching reading, particularly for those with dyslexia. By focusing on multi-sensory learning, phonemic awareness, and individualized instruction, educators can empower students to become confident readers and writers. This structured method not only enhances literacy skills but also fosters a love for learning that can last a lifetime.

Embracing the principles of Orton-Gillingham can transform the educational experience for many students, enabling them to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential in literacy.