About The Orton-Gillingham Method

Ladder Learning Services uses the Orton-Gillingham method of instruction for both dyslexic and non-dyslexic students who are struggling with reading, writing, spelling, or math. This method has been practiced by educators since the 1930s, is supported by scientific evidence, and can be used to teach any student.

Compare Orton-Gillingham with other methods of reading instruction.

History of the Orton-Gillingham Method

Samuel T. Orton was a doctor who researched methods to help people with reading disabilities. In the 1920s, he came upon the idea of multi-sensory instruction (introducing tactile (touch) and kinesthetic (movement) elements to traditional auditory and visual teaching methods) in order to use both the right and left hemispheres of a student’s brain.

Orton later began working with educator and psychologist Anna Gillingham, who developed the systematic, structured approach to learning phonics, syllabication, morphemes, and spelling which we call the Orton-Gillingham method.

The Orton-Gillingham method has been used since the 1930s in public schools, private schools, and both non-profit and for-profit tutoring centers to help dyslexic children and adults learn to read, write, and spell with confidence.

Features of the Approach

Language-based:

The Orton-Gillingham approach is based on a technique of studying and teaching language, understanding the nature of human language, the mechanisms involved in learning, and the language-learning processes in individuals.

Multisensory:

Orton-Gillingham teaching sessions are action-oriented and involve constant interaction between the teacher and the student and the simultaneous use of multiple sensory input channels reinforcing each other for optimal learning. Using auditory, visual, tactile, and kinesthetic elements, all language skills taught are reinforced by having the student listen, speak, read, write and move. For example, a dyslexic learner is taught to see the letter A, say its name and sound and write it in the air – all at the same time. The approach requires intense instruction with ample practice. The use of multiple input channels is thought to enhance memory storage and retrieval by providing multiple "triggers" for memory.

Structured, Sequential, and Cumulative:

The Orton-Gillingham teacher introduces the elements of the language systematically. Sound-symbol associations along with linguistic rules and generalizations are introduced in a logical, understandable order. Students begin by reading and writing sounds in isolation. Then they blend the sounds into syllables and words. Students learn the elements of language-- consonants, vowels, digraphs, blends, and diphthongs—in an orderly fashion. They then proceed to advanced structural elements such as syllable types, roots, and affixes. As students learn new material, they continue to review old material to the level of automaticity. The teacher addresses vocabulary, sentence structure, composition, and reading comprehension in a similar structured, sequential, and cumulative manner.

Cognitive:

Students learn about the history of the English language and study the many generalizations and rules that govern its structure. They also learn how best they can learn and apply the language knowledge necessary for achieving reading and writing competencies.

Flexible:

Orton-Gillingham teaching is diagnostic and prescriptive in nature. Teachers try to ensure the learner is not simply recognizing a pattern and applying it without understanding. When confusion of a previously taught rule is discovered, it is re-taught.

Research Support

A great deal of research supports the use of the core elements found in the Orton-Gillingham method in teaching dyslexic students to read.

Here are some highlights:

• The International Dyslexia Association’s factsheets on Orton-Gillingham #1 #2
• The National Institute for Literacy recommends science-based teaching practices which use phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension
• The Texas Education Agency’s 12 Components of a successful reading program for young readers
• Read testimonials from my clients

Orton-Gillingham For Non-Dyslexics

Because Orton-Gillingham has all the components of a successful reading program for young readers and is prescriptive, structured, and multi-sensory, it is a great form of reading instruction for all children. Many private schools use the Orton-Gillingham method to teach language arts to all of their students. Read testimonials from teachers who took an Orton-Gillingham course through the Institute for Multisensory Education.

What about adults?

Because of the individualized nature of Orton-Gillingham instruction, it is suitable for all ages. Adults who feel like they never received a proper foundation in language arts will find this method “fills in the gaps” in their education, without going over things they already know. It is also a revelation to many adults who have never experienced learning that was “hands-on” to realize that reading, writing, and spelling can actually be fun! Many adults may have undiagnosed dyslexia or other learning problems and never received the proper instruction while they were in school. Research shows that it is never too late to learn!

Can Orton-Gillingham help someone who is learning English as a foreign language?

There is a reason that many of the most popular language-learning programs such as Rosetta Stone are multisensory and phonics-based: because it works very well for learning a new language. Because Orton-Gillingham is structured and tailored to the individual, it is an excellent way to master the English language. By working with a private Orton-Gillingham tutor you will develop a solid foundation of the structure of the English language. The emphasis on phonics will help you master correct pronunciation and spelling, without having to memorize long lists of words.

Make no mistake, English is a difficult language to master: it has the most words of any language on Earth and it is made up of words derived from Old English, French, Latin, Greek, and many other languages. Spelling and pronunciation are going to be extremely difficult if you do not have systematic instruction. Memorization, the main component of learning another language, is aided by using multiple sensory inputs. All of these components come together in the Orton-Gillingham method.