What Is Orton Gillingham? A Complete Guide for Canadian Families

If you’re a parent or educator searching for proven ways to support children who struggle with reading—especially those with dyslexia—you’ve probably come across the term “Orton Gillingham.” But what exactly is the Orton Gillingham approach, and why is it so widely recommended in the world of literacy intervention?

What Is the Orton Gillingham Approach?

Orton Gillingham (OG) is a structured, multisensory method of teaching reading and spelling. Developed in the early 20th century, it was designed specifically for learners with “word-blindness,” a condition we now call dyslexia. Today, OG is recognized as one of the gold standards for helping students with a range of reading difficulties, not just dyslexia.

What makes OG unique is its focus on breaking down reading and spelling into smaller, manageable skills. Instruction is highly explicit: students learn the relationships between letters and sounds step by step, building from simple concepts to more complex ones. This sequential, cumulative structure helps kids form solid foundations and make steady progress.

The Multisensory Learning Advantage

A hallmark of the Orton Gillingham approach is its multisensory approach. Lessons engage the senses of sight, sound, and touch. Students see words, say them aloud, and trace or write them at the same time. This multisensory instruction helps cement new concepts in memory, making learning stick for children who haven’t succeeded with traditional instruction.

Key components of the Orton Gillingham approach

• Phonemic Awareness: Recognizing and manipulating sounds in words.

• Phonics Instruction: Understanding sound-symbol relationships.

• Vocabulary Building: Expanding word knowledge.

• Fluency Development: Achieving speed and accuracy in reading.

• Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting text.

The History and Development of Orton Gillingham

The Orton-Gillingham story began in the 1930s, when Dr. Samuel Orton, a pioneering neuropsychiatrist, and Anna Gillingham, a talented educator, set out to solve a problem that frustrated families and teachers alike: how to help children who struggled with reading, now commonly referred to as dyslexia.

Dr. Orton’s research showed that traditional teaching methods simply weren’t reaching every learner. He recognized that some kids needed a different, more structured way to make sense of language.

Anna Gillingham took Orton’s scientific insights and turned them into practical classroom strategies, creating hands-on materials that brought reading and spelling to life through sight, sound, and touch.

Together, they laid the groundwork for what’s now known as structured literacy. Over the decades, the Orton Gillingham approach has continued to evolve, blending new research with the timeless principles set out by its founders. Today, it’s used in classrooms and clinics across Canada and around the world, helping learners of all ages find their confidence—and their voice—in reading.

Who Benefits from Orton Gillingham?

OG was initially developed for students with dyslexia, but research and classroom experience show that its principles benefit all learners. Most children need explicit, systematic instruction to become proficient readers, because our brains aren’t hardwired for reading the way they are for spoken language.

In Canada, OG based programs are increasingly popular for both children and adults with reading disorders. Many organizations and clinics now offer OG tutoring and teacher training, and advocacy groups like Dyslexia Canada support its use as part of early intervention strategies.

How Does Orton Gillingham Compare to Other Reading Approaches?

Many parents wonder how Orton Gillingham stacks up against other popular programs. Here’s a quick comparison:

Approach	Structure	Multisensory?	Individualized?	Target Audience	Recognized in Canada?	Best For
OrtonGillingham (OG)	Highly structured, sequential, cumulative	Yes	Yes	Dyslexia, struggling readers	Yes	Students needing explicit, step-by-step phonics instruction
Wilson Reading System	Structured, sequential (based on OG)	Yes	Yes	Dyslexia, intervention settings	Yes	School-based remediation, older students
Barton Reading & Spelling	Structured, OG-based	Yes	Yes	Dyslexia, homeschoolers	Yes	Home tutoring, parents without formal teaching experience
General Phonics Programs (e.g., Jolly Phonics)	Structured, but less individualized	Sometimes	No	Early readers, general classroom	Yes	Building early phonics skills in groups
Balanced Literacy	Unstructured, less systematic	No	No	All students, mainstream	Yes	Students who pick up reading easily; less effective for dyslexia

Key Takeaways:

Orton Gillingham stands out for its individualized, multisensory approach, ideal for dyslexia and students who need more explicit instruction. While other programs, like Wilson and Barton, share some similarities, OG is especially known for customization and step-by-step progression. General phonics programs and balanced literacy remain common but may not offer the depth or support needed for students with reading disorders.

What Does the Research Say?

While there’s a broad consensus that the OG approach contains many evidence-based elements (like systematic phonics and multisensory teaching), studies specifically on OG itself are ongoing. Recent research highlights improvements in reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension for learners with dyslexia who use OG, but also notes that results can depend on the quality and consistency of implementation.

Some experts agree that OG’s structured, sequential approach aligns well with what we know about how children develop literacy skills most effectively. Still, the field would benefit from more robust, long-term studies, especially as OG is adapted and delivered in different settings.

What Are the Benefits of Orton Gillingham?

Families and teachers choose Orton Gillingham for a reason: the results are real, especially for students who’ve struggled with traditional reading instruction.

Here’s what sets OG apart:

• Improved reading accuracy: OG’s step-by-step lessons help students decode and recognize words more reliably, so reading feels less like guesswork.

• Better reading fluency: The multisensory approach—using sight, sound, and movement—builds both speed and natural expression, making reading smoother and more enjoyable.

• Expanded vocabulary and comprehension: OG’s focus on building blocks of language gives students tools to understand, not just sound out, what they read.

• A boost in confidence: Perhaps the biggest win—kids who once dreaded reading begin to believe in themselves and look forward to learning.

  
  

Whether in a classroom, a tutoring session, or at home, we’ve seen these benefits time and again with Canadian learners. That’s why we’re strong believers in the OG approach at The Literacy Corner.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

Every instructional method has its limitations. OG is highly individualized, which is a strength, but it can also mean the approach is more time- and resource-intensive than some mainstream programs. Parents should be aware that certified OG practitioners invest heavily in their training, which can result in more expensive sessions.

Additionally, while OG targets foundational reading and spelling skills, some critics point out that it may not address all aspects of literacy (like reading comprehension or writing fluency) unless it’s adapted accordingly.

Orton-Gillingham in Canada: What’s Available?

Canadian families have increasing access to OG resources. From private clinics and tutoring services to free teacher training initiatives, OG is gaining traction as more parents demand effective, science-based help for struggling readers.

At The Literacy Corner, we’re proud to offer OG-based programs designed to meet each learner’s unique needs. Our certified educators work with children, tailoring each lesson to ensure progress and confidence with every session. For families seeking an evidence-informed pathway to reading success, Orton Gillingham is a proven, practical choice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Orton Gillingham

Is Orton Gillingham only for children with dyslexia?

No. While Orton Gillingham was originally designed for learners with dyslexia, its structured, multisensory methods benefit a wide range of students, including those without a formal diagnosis who struggle with reading or spelling.

Is Orton Gillingham effective for adults?

Yes. Adults with reading difficulties, whether due to undiagnosed dyslexia or gaps in earlier instruction, can benefit from OG’s step-by-step approach.

How long does it take to see progress with Orton Gillingham?

Progress varies depending on the learner’s unique needs and how often instruction occurs. Some students make noticeable gains within a few months, while others may need a year or more of consistent, individualized support. The key is regular, high-quality instruction and ongoing assessment.

What does a typical Orton Gillingham lesson look like?

Each lesson is tailored to the learner but usually includes direct instruction in phonics, reading, spelling, and writing. Activities engage multiple senses. For example, tracing letters while saying sounds aloud and practicing word reading/decoding. Lessons are structured, with lots of review and repetition to reinforce learning.

Are there provincial funding supports for OG tutoring in Canada?

Funding varies by province and even by school district. In some cases, students with diagnosed learning disabilities may be eligible for Individual Education Plans (IEPs) that include funding for specialized tutoring, including OG. Additionally, certain disability tax credits or local grants can help offset costs. Parents are encouraged to ask their school’s resource team or local dyslexia organizations about support options.

If you have more questions about Orton Gillingham or want to explore how it might help someone in your life, reach out to us at The Literacy Corner.

Conclusion

Orton Gillingham stands out as a structured, multisensory, and individualized approach that’s helped countless struggling readers unlock the power of words. While it’s not a magic bullet, its research-backed principles and decades of success make it a cornerstone of effective literacy intervention, especially for those with dyslexia.

If you’re interested in learning more or enrolling your child in an OG-based program, reach out to us at The Literacy Corner. We’re here to help every learner discover their path to reading success.