What is orton gillingham?

It is important to understand that Orton Gillingham (OG) is an APPROACH to teaching and learning, not a program. Many programs are created based upon the OG approach, where lessons are scripted, and the program defines a sequence of skills to be taught in a specific order.  The OG approach is individualized, flexible, is based on a problem-solving process. Deficits are specifically identified and targeted, and lessons are flexible to address difficulties on the spot.

The first step is to assess your child and identify specific strengths and challenges. Lessons are then structured to target exactly what your child needs, using the structured and systematic theory to focus on smaller skills and building upon those skills to develop language.

We explicitly teach the connection between letters and sounds. Many commercial programs are built upon Orton Gillingham principles.

Multisensory means we use our senses to help our brains connect our English language with letters. By using our eyes, ears, hands, and movement while learning, we utilize multiple pathways in the brain to help retain and practice skills.

This approach is systematic and structured, meaning it introduces the idea of reading and spelling by breaking it down into smaller skills and building on those skills over time.

One of our senses that we utilize is touch and movement. As we are learning, we are saying it- hearing it- seeing it- and touching or moving it. It is natural for humans to like hands-on activities and the ability to move our hands and bodies. This approach capitalizes on this and makes it more effective, fun, and engaging.