The Orton-Gillingham Approach

Struggling Readers Aren’t the Problem, Outdated Instruction Is

What is the Orton-Gillingham Approach?

The Orton-Gillingham Approach is a direct, explicit, multisensory, structured, sequential, diagnostic, and prescriptive way to teach literacy. It is particularly effective for individuals with dyslexia and other language-based learning difficulties. 

Unlike conventional reading programs, the Orton-Gillingham Approach is tailored to the unique learning needs of each student, making it a powerful tool in the hands of a well-trained instructor.

The Science Behind the Orton-Gillingham Approach

The Orton-Gillingham Approach is grounded in both time-tested knowledge and scientific evidence about how children learn to read and write. It addresses why many students face challenges in acquiring literacy skills and identifies instructional practices best suited for teaching them. The OG approach is particularly beneficial for students with dyslexia.

The Orton-Gillingham Approach is characterized by nine core principles:

9 Key Principles of the Orton-Gillingham Approach

  • Individualized: Instruction is tailored to meet the needs of each learner, especially those with dyslexia and attention deficit disorders. ​

  • Simultaneous Multisensory: OG engages multiple sensory pathways—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic/tactile—simultaneously to enhance learning and memory. ​

  • Diagnostic and Prescriptive: Instructors continuously monitor the learner's responses to identify challenges and progress, allowing for the adaptation of instruction.

  • Structured, Sequential, and Cumulative, but Flexible: Lessons are organized in a logical progression from basic to complex concepts, ensuring mastery at each step.

  • Cognitive: OG encourages active understanding of the language's structure, promoting reasoning and comprehension rather than rote memorization. ​

  • Emotionally Sound: OG aims to build confidence and trust by ensuring the learner experiences regular success, fostering a positive learning environment.

  • Language-Based and Alphabetic/Phonetic: Instruction is based on the structure and history of the English language that integrates oral language, reading, spelling, and writing.

  • Direct and Explicit: Instruction is presented systematically with concepts clearly stated, modeled, and practiced.

  •  Synthetic and Analytic: Instruction employs both synthetic and analytic processes at all levels of language; these processes are reciprocal and must be closely coordinated.

Benefits of the Orton-Gillingham Approach

OG is backed by decades of research and practice, demonstrating success in improving literacy skills among students with dyslexia. ​Lessons are customized to address the specific strengths and weaknesses of each learner, enhancing the effectiveness of the teaching process. Best of all, students enjoy OG, as it utilizes visual, auditory, and kinesthetic/tactile pathways to reinforce learning, catering to diverse learning styles.

The Role of an Orton-Gillingham Practitioner

An Orton-Gillingham practitioner is a highly trained professional specializing in the application of the Orton-Gillingham Approach. They’re skilled in designing and delivering instruction that adheres to the approach's principles.

How the Orton-Gillingham Approach Helps in Everyday Life

The Orton-Gillingham Approach is not limited to educational settings; its principles can be applied in various aspects of daily life:​

▶ Parents can employ strategies to support their children's reading and writing development at home.

▶ Educators benefit from structured methods to effectively teach literacy skills.

▶ Students with Dyslexia gain tools to understand and overcome their challenges for improved literacy and increased confidence.

Orton-Gillingham Approach: Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Orton-Gillingham Approach is a structured, multisensory method for teaching literacy, particularly effective for individuals with dyslexia. It emphasizes personalized, sequential instruction that engages multiple senses to enhance learning.

  • Who were Orton and Gillingham? Samuel Torrey Orton was a neuropsychiatrist who pioneered the study of reading difficulties and language processing issues. Anna Gillingham was an educator and psychologist who, in collaboration with Orton, developed instructional materials and training methodologies that laid the foundation for the Orton-Gillingham Approach.

  • While designed for individuals with dyslexia, the Orton-Gillingham Approach can benefit anyone struggling with reading, writing, and spelling. It is effective for all learners of all ages who require a structured and multisensory approach to literacy.

  • Becoming an Orton-Gillingham (OG) practitioner requires completing specialized training approved by the Orton-Gillingham Academy. The process begins with coursework—typically a 70-hour training led by certified instructors—followed by a supervised practicum. This hands-on experience includes delivering a set number of structured literacy lessons while receiving expert feedback and support.

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