OUR STORY
What is the Orton-Gillingham approach?
Orton-Gillingham (OG) is a structured, multi-sensory approach to teaching reading, writing, and spelling, primarily designed for individuals with dyslexia. It breaks down language into its components—both phonetic and non-phonetic—and teaches them systematically and sequentially. The method incorporates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning, ensuring that students grasp concepts through multiple senses, which boosts retention and understanding.
How did OG get started?
The Orton-Gillingham approach was developed in the 1930s by neurologist Dr. Samuel Orton and educator Anna Gillingham. Orton’s research into the neurological basis of dyslexia combined with Gillingham’s expertise in education led them to create this method to address the specific needs of students with reading difficulties. Their collaboration resulted in a program that explicitly taught the rules of language, tailored to the way dyslexic students learn. Nowadays, we know that OG is a phenomenal approach to teaching anyone to read and spell with confidence.
What makes OG so effective?
Orton-Gillingham is so effective because it adapts to each student’s individual pace and learning style, ensuring mastery of each skill before moving forward. Its multisensory techniques engage multiple parts of the brain, reinforcing learning and helping students retain information more efficiently. The sequential, cumulative structure of the OG approach builds a strong foundation in all aspects of literacy, making it particularly powerful for students struggling with traditional literacy methods.
