The Orton Gillingham (OG) approach is a popular, multi-sensory, structured, and phonetic method that is used by reading tutors for teaching writing, reading, and spelling. This reading and learning approach is used with the objective to help children with dyslexia improve and progress.
Those who have seen their dyslexic child struggling with reading keep looking for the best things they can do to understand the reasons behind their child’s difficulties. They keep searching for the best ways to help their dyslexic child get rid of reading struggles and frustration.
A common thing that helps parents of dyslexic children the most is the Orton Gillingham (OG) approach. Many parents hire an experienced reading tutor that uses Orton Gillingham (OG) approach in their reading classes to help dyslexic children improve their reading and learning skills. The OG method has been proven to be one of the most effective solutions for struggling readers and learners with dyslexia. Some common things that make the Orton Gillingham method a proven solution for struggling readers are listed below.
Multi-sensory Approach
One of the key features of the Orton Gillingham approach is its multi-sensory approach to teaching. From visual, to auditory, and kinesthetic, this approach engages all the senses to help learners/dyslexic children process information more effectively. While using the Orton Gillingham approach, reading tutors use a variety of techniques, such as using flashcards, tracing letters in sand, etc. to reinforce learning through different sensory pathways. The Orton Gillingham approach has been proven to be particularly effective for dyslexic children and learners who struggle with traditional reading methods.
Direct and Explicit Instruction
The OG approach is also known for providing direct and explicit instruction. With the help of this approach dyslexic children are taught specific patterns, rules, and also strategies that they can further use to decode as well as encode language effectively. The Orton Gillingham approach is particularly helpful for learners who struggle with reading, writing, and also spelling. This learning approach provides them with clear, concise instructions and strategies, the use of which helps them overcome their difficulties.
Builds Confidence
The Orton Gillingham approach is an empowering method of teaching. It is a positive teaching method that focuses on teaching learners different ways to read at the word level. The approach focuses on building the confidence, and self-esteem, of the learners. It also focuses on building learners’ self-awareness. It helps learners get the skills and effective strategies that they need to succeed. With this, the OG approach helps learners to develop a love of learning and overcome their difficulties.
Systematic and Cumulative
The Orton Gillingham approach is a cumulative and systematic method of teaching reading, writing, and spelling. This approach breaks down the language into small, and manageable parts, through which the learners progress systematically, building on what they have learned before. This approach helps learners to develop a strong foundation of language skills. It ensures that they will not miss important concepts or struggle to keep up with the pace of their peers.
Structured and Flexible
Another thing that makes the Orton Gillingham method a proven solution for struggling readers is its structured and flexible feature. The Orton Gillingham approach is both structured and flexible. It not only just provides a framework for learning but also allows for flexibility to meet the needs of individual learners. The use of the Orton Gillingham approach help reading tutors ensures that learners have a clear understanding of what they need to do to improve their skills and succeed.
Personalized and Individualized
The Orton Gillingham approach is personalized and individualized as per the specific needs of each learner. While using this approach the reading tutor provides targeted instruction to the learners that are based on their strengths as well as weaknesses, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The tutors make sure that the learners will be taught in small groups. They teach skills to learners/dyslexic children in a particular order. The skills are usually based on how people develop language naturally. This individualized approach makes it easy for dyslexic children and also other learners to progress at their own pace. It also helps them build the skills as well as the confidence needed for success.
Evidence-Based
The Orton Gillingham approach is an evidence-based method of teaching reading, writing, and spelling. This also makes this method a proven solution for struggling readers. The method not only just has been extensively researched but also turn out to be effective for children with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Studies have consistently shown that dyslexic children who receive Orton Gillingham instruction make significant gains in their writing, reading, and spelling skills.
Transferable Skills
The skills and strategies that are taught by reading tutors in the Orton Gillingham approach are transferable to other areas of learning. Learners who receive Orton Gillingham instruction develop strong phonemic awareness, comprehension, encoding, and decoding skills. These skills also help learners succeed in other subjects, such as math and science.
Final Thoughts
The Orton Gillingham approach is a proven solution for struggling readers because it helps them get the skills they need to perform better and succeed in life. The approach is based on a technique of teaching and studying the language. The use of this approach helps reading tutors improve the reading and learning skills of dyslexic children. This approach is not only just direct and explicit but is also evidence-based. It plays a major role in building learners’ confidence and self-esteem.
