FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to go through your Orton-Gillingham program?

This depends on a number of factors: the age of the student, what level they are starting at, what previous phonics instruction (if any) they’ve had, how good their memory is, and what learning or attention difficulties they have. Also, those who are primarily kinesthetic learners tend to take a bit longer in the first stages of the program. Many of our students start off slow and then reach a point where things "click" and then begin to progress more rapidly. Most Orton-Gillingham programs give a guideline of 2-5 years for someone with no phonics background to become a proficient reader. We can advise you on a case-by-case basis as to how long we think it will take, although please realize that no program can accurately predict how long it will take for you or your child to become a proficient reader.

I can only afford one hour per week for instruction; can I just study on my own the rest of the time?

We are willing to work with you if you feel you are unable to pay for the recommended 2-5 hours per week of instruction. For older students and adults who are self-motivated then some additional at-home study time or homework can work well as a supplement to in-person or online lessons. However, this is entirely dependent upon whether the student completes their assigned studying/homework exactly as instructed. For younger students, it is usually too difficult to meet less than twice per week as much time is spent reviewing concepts already learned and little progress is made. We may be able to do more frequent, shorter lessons instead.

My child is in Kindergarten and writes "b" like "d" – does he have dyslexia?

We would need more information to assess this child. Many children reverse letters and numbers up until age 6 or 7 (and other developmental lags may account for this in older children). While dyslexics reverse more frequently than non-dyslexics, reversals are not a primary indicator of dyslexia. Some more accurate indicators for a child this age would be: can they tell you which words rhyme? can they identify the letters of the alphabet and put them in order? is there a history of dyslexia in the family? We always recommend that a full diagnostic assessment be performed by a trained child Psychologist prior to beginning tutoring (for a list of providers in your area, contact the International Dyslexia Association). In addition, we have had success treating reversals in young children with the Handwriting Without Tears program.

Can you come to my house in (Lawrenceville, Norcross, Marietta) to tutor my child?

Right now, we only serve the physical locations in this map. However, if your child is old enough (we recommend age 10 and up), then we would be happy to offer you tutoring online with Skype. Skype is an online video-phone service that is completely free to use. You may need to be present during these lessons, and/or purchase some supplemental materials to make the lessons work. Online lessons are not recommended for primarily kinesthetic learners.

Can you come tutor at my child’s school during the day?

Sure; however, you will need to clear this with your child’s school first. If they will need to be pulled out of a class, we recommend foreign language.

Can you make sure my child does her homework each night?

Some children do better having a private tutor for homework time, however we cannot assure that your child will do his/her homework. We will advise as to whether your child has the proper amount of homework and if it is leveled to his/her ability.

Can you teach me how to tutor my child?

Of course! I will be happy to show you the techniques and materials I use so that you may tutor or homeschool your child using the Orton-Gillingham method. Please understand that this will not lead to a certification in Orton-Gillingham, and we ask that you only use this information with your own children.

What grade level is your program in reading/spelling/writing?

The levels we use are arranged by concepts rather than by grade levels. Though many of the words presented in Level One are found on typical first grade lists, other words in the same level can be found on typical fifth grade lists. The Orton-Gillingham method does not use typical grade level classification. For example, another spelling program lists the words "cross," "off," and "plant" on their fourth grade list, but these words can easily be spelled by a child completing Level One. That same program includes the words "school" and "yellow" on its first grade list — but expecting kids to spell words like those before mastering more basic syllable types undermines their future spelling ability. Orton-Gillingham groups words in a logical manner based on similar rules or spelling patterns regardless of their supposed grade level, which allows students to progress quickly and confidently.

I have heard that Orton-Gillingham is boring and involves rote memorization. My child has AD/HD and doesn’t do well with rote learning.

Nearly all of our students here at Ladder Learning Services have AD/HD as well! As a result, our methods have been specifically developed to work for AD/HD, hands-on, and gifted learners – if we do anything boring, our students let us know! By utilizing multiple senses, games, manipulatives, and fun activities, and by changing activities frequently (about every 5-10 minutes) during a lesson, we keep things moving so that children do not get bored.

I am an adult who can read, I just need help with spelling. Can you help me?

Sure! There are many different techniques within the Orton-Gillingham program which will help you learn to spell correctly and use correct grammar. We can also help you improve your writing composition for school or work. See the about programs for adults page for more information.

If you have a question not listed here, please contact us.