When learners with different learning styles receive instruction that matches how their brains actually process language, reading becomes not just possible, but joyful. The Orton-Gillingham approach offers exactly this kind of personalized instruction that works with how their brains learn. Through structured, multisensory teaching, it meets each learner where they are.
The Orton-Gillingham approach offers precisely this kind of personalized instruction, working with the unique way the brains of dyslexic children learn best. Through structured, multisensory learning instruction, it meets each child where they are. And if you're looking for more support in incorporating the Orton-Gillingham approach, Outschool has a ton of classes to support you!
What is the Orton-Gillingham approach?
This structured, evidence-based method was specifically designed to help dyslexic learners and other neurodiverse kids and teens master reading, writing, and spelling. Developed in the 1930s by neuropsychiatrist Samuel Orton and educator Anna Gillingham, this approach recognizes that traditional teaching methods often leave struggling readers behind.
The secret to its success lies in its multisensory framework, which engages visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning simultaneously. When a child traces a letter in sand while saying its sound aloud, they're creating multiple pathways to the same information in their brain. This redundancy helps neurodiverse learners, particularly those who are dyslexic, form stronger connections with language concepts that might otherwise feel difficult to grasp.
The approach also emphasizes individualized instruction, allowing you to adapt lessons to each child's unique learning profile and pace.
Why does the Orton-Gillingham approach work so well?
1. Moving forward when the child is ready
Kids don’t all learn at the same pace, and that principle is built into this approach. If your child is still working on short vowel sounds, the lesson stays there until it feels solid — no skipping ahead to long vowels before they’re ready. That steady pacing prevents gaps and helps your child actually feel progress instead of frustration.
2. Learning through multiple senses
When kids trace a letter in sand while saying the sound out loud, or tap their arm as they blend syllables, they’re using sight, sound, and movement at the same time. Those multisensory activities give the brain more ways to “lock in” the skill, making it easier to remember and use later.
3. Turning big goals into smaller wins
Instead of saying, “We’re going to read this book,” Orton-Gillingham breaks the process down into decodable chunks. Each step feels more doable as children learn to decode words using the Orton-Gillingham method, which gives them a big confidence boost when they realize that they’re reading passages themselves.
4. Strategies you can use anywhere
This isn’t just for specialists. The same principles can be used at home — like practicing phonics with magnetic letters on the fridge, clapping out word parts during a car ride, or reviewing sight words at bedtime. The flexibility means your child gets consistent reinforcement no matter where they’re learning.
How Parents Can Use Orton-Gillingham Strategies At Home
Simple, engaging activities that follow Orton-Gillingham principles can make a meaningful difference in your child's confidence and skills.
- Create tactile spelling experiences by having your child trace letters in sand, shaving cream, or finger paint while saying each sound aloud, engaging multiple senses simultaneously for stronger memory connections.
- Build words together using colorful magnetic letters or letter tiles, letting your child physically manipulate the letters while you both sound out each sound and blend them into words.
- Incorporate daily practice into car rides or bedtime routines by reviewing easily decodable words or playing rhyming games, making learning feel natural rather than forced.
- Use colorful flashcards for phonograms and easily decodable words, combining visual cues with auditory practice as you and your child take turns reading them aloud.
- Celebrate small wins with specific praise like "You remembered that 'ck' makes the /k/ sound!" rather than general comments, helping your child recognize their growing skills.
- Access expert guidance through classes designed for diverse learning styles, giving your family additional tools and your child extra practice with teachers who celebrate their unique strengths.
The Orton-Gillingham approach: Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
When you're searching for the right reading support for your neurodiverse child, it's natural to feel both hopeful and overwhelmed by the options available. These common questions reflect the thoughtful way families navigate this important decision.
What makes Orton-Gillingham different from other reading interventions?
The Orton-Gillingham approach stands out because it's been widely used for over 80 years and uses a unique combination of systematic, sequential, and multisensory teaching methods. Unlike many other interventions, it engages visual, auditory, and kinesthetic pathways simultaneously, which has been shown to improve sound recognition skills among dyslexic students. This comprehensive approach helps students understand not just what to read, but how and why language works the way it does.
Is Orton-Gillingham only for dyslexic learners, or can it help other neurodiverse kids and teens?
While originally designed for dyslexic learners, the Orton-Gillingham approach benefits a much wider range of neurodiverse kids and teens. It's particularly effective for English Language Learners and students with various language processing differences because it addresses multiple language components like syntax and semantics. The organized, explicit teaching style works well for any child who needs clear, step-by-step instruction to build reading confidence.
How does Orton-Gillingham support social-emotional learning and confidence in kids and teens?
The Orton-Gillingham approach builds confidence by actively involving students in their learning process and helping them understand their own progress. When kids and teens can see exactly how they're decoding words and building skills, they develop a sense of mastery rather than feeling confused or left behind. This understanding reduces reading anxiety and helps students advocate for themselves, knowing they have concrete strategies that work for their learning style.
How do I know if my child needs Orton-Gillingham instruction?
Consider Orton-Gillingham instruction if your child struggles with phonics, has difficulty connecting sounds to letters, or finds traditional reading methods frustrating despite being bright and receiving good teaching. Many parents notice their kids and teens can memorize sight words but struggle to decode unfamiliar words, or they may reverse letters frequently beyond the typical age. If your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia or other language-based learning differences, this approach is often recommended by specialists.
Building confident readers with the Orton-Gillingham approach
Every child deserves an education that not only supports their challenges but also celebrates their unique strengths. Whether through focused reading and spelling practice or complementary supports like typing instruction, the Orton-Gillingham approach offers a path that can be tailored to your child’s needs. With the right guidance and encouragement, your learner can develop resilience, discover their potential, and experience the joy of reading.
If you’d like extra support, Outschool offers Orton-Gillingham-based classes and tutoring designed for neurodiverse learners, connecting families with teachers who understand how to meet kids where they are.
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