Understanding the Orton-Gillingham Approach for Reading Success

If a doctor, psychologist, or teacher has recommended an Orton Gillingham (OG) tutor for your child struggling with reading or spelling, you may wonder what makes this approach unique. You might also question whether a certified OG tutor is the only option. At The Literacy Corner Inc., we’re here to clarify why OG is effective. Our trained tutors deliver its benefits, helping your child succeed—whether they have dyslexia or other literacy challenges.

What Is Orton-Gillingham?

Developed in the 1930s by Dr. Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham, Orton-Gillingham is a structured, multisensory approach to teaching reading and spelling. It engages sight, sound, and touch. Children trace letters, say sounds aloud, and write while verbalizing to build strong literacy skills. OG’s systematic, step-by-step method is tailored to each child’s needs. This makes it especially effective for those who struggle with traditional teaching methods.

What Is Special About Orton-Gillingham?

OG excels at breaking down reading and spelling into manageable steps. This helps children master the building blocks of language. For example, they learn that the letter “c” sounds like /k/ in “cat” but /s/ in “city.” Children practice these patterns through hands-on activities. They might trace letters in the air, in sand, or on their desk while saying the sounds aloud. This increases the likelihood of retention. Research, including studies by Dr. Sally Shaywitz, confirms that OG’s multisensory techniques enhance learning. By engaging multiple brain pathways, OG is ideal for children with dyslexia or reading difficulties.

Key Features of Orton-Gillingham

• Structured Yet Flexible: OG teaches phonics rules systematically. It builds skills sequentially and adapts to your child’s pace and learning style.

• Multisensory Engagement: By combining visual, auditory, and kinesthetic methods, learning “sticks,” even for children who struggle with one pathway.

• Personalized Instruction: Lessons target your child’s specific needs. This boosts both confidence and progress.

• Proven for Struggles: OG is widely recommended for dyslexia and other literacy challenges, providing a clear path to success.

  
  

Do You Need a Certified OG Tutor?

While OG certification from specific organizations is valuable, it’s not the only path to effective tutoring. What matters most is the tutor’s training in OG principles, skill in applying its multisensory methods, and ability to connect with your child. At The Literacy Corner Inc., all our tutors are thoroughly trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach by experienced educators. They may have either OG certification or degrees in Education and Linguistics. This ensures they deliver the same evidence-based techniques that make OG successful, tailored to your child’s unique needs.

How OG Helps Your Child

Orton-Gillingham empowers children to decode words, spell accurately, and read fluently. For instance, to spell “cake,” a child learns to use the grapheme 'c' for the initial /k/ sound. Then they learn 'a,' followed by 'k', and finally the silent 'e' to make the short a "say its own name." Multisensory practice is then employed to help your child retain these predictable phonics patterns and rules. This not only builds confidence but also transforms reading and spelling from a struggle into a strength.

Developing a Strong Foundation

Building a strong foundation in reading is crucial. OG tutors focus on teaching phonemic awareness. This helps children recognize and manipulate the sounds in words. They also emphasize vocabulary development and comprehension skills. This comprehensive approach ensures that children not only learn to read but also understand what they read. As a result, students become passionate readers who enjoy exploring new books and ideas.

The Importance of Confidence in Learning

Confidence plays a significant role in learning. Many children who struggle with reading may feel discouraged or frustrated. By succeeding with OG methods, they gain confidence. They begin to see reading and writing not just as challenges but as opportunities for success. Increased self-esteem can lead to greater participation in class and a love for learning. Positive reinforcement and encouragement from tutors and parents can further enhance this newfound confidence.

Why Choose The Literacy Corner Inc.?

At The Literacy Corner Inc., our tutors use the Orton-Gillingham approach to provide personalized, engaging lessons that deliver results. Unlike standard tutoring, which may rely on memorization, OG’s hands-on, systematic method addresses the root of literacy challenges. Our committed team ensures that each child receives the specific support they need to thrive.

Take the Next Step

The Orton-Gillingham approach is a game-changer for children struggling with reading or spelling, offering a proven, multisensory path to literacy. At The Literacy Corner Inc., our trained tutors bring OG’s benefits to life, helping your child thrive. Contact us at theliteracycorner.ca for a free consultation to discuss how we can support your child’s journey to reading success. Whether your child has dyslexia or other literacy challenges, our tailored approach can make a meaningful difference.

Why Multisensory Phonics Tutoring Helps Struggling Readers and Spellers

For busy parents seeking effective tutoring for a child who is behind in reading and spelling, multisensory phonics tutoring offers a proven, engaging approach. Whether considering a switch from a standard tutor or hiring one for the first time, understanding why this method works—especially for children who may have dyslexia—is key. Here’s a concise look at what it is and its benefits.

A tutor engages a student in a fun and interactive lesson, using visual and tactile cues to teach the long "e" sound.

What Is Multisensory Phonics Tutoring?

Pioneered in the 1930s by Dr. Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham, multisensory phonics tutoring teaches reading and spelling by engaging multiple senses: sight, sound, and touch. Children trace letters, say sounds aloud, and write while verbalizing, creating a dynamic learning experience that reinforces literacy skills.

Why It Works for Reading

This approach teaches children to read by systematically studying graphemes, the letters or letter combinations representing English sounds. For example, children first learn that the grapheme "c" makes a /k/ sound in "cat" or a /s/ sound in "city," depending on whether an "a," "o," or "u" follows (producing /k/) or an "e," "i," or "y" follows (producing /s/). Similarly, with the grapheme "ch," they master its sounds—/ch/ as in "chair," /k/ as in "chorus," or /sh/ as in "chef"—then learn rules, like "ch" often sounding like /k/ in Greek-origin words (e.g., "chorus") or /ʃ/ in French-origin words (e.g., "chef"). This sequential method equips children to decode words confidently.

How It Improves Spelling

Spelling requires recalling the correct graphemes for sounds. For instance, to spell "race," a child must choose "r" for /r/, "a" with the silent "e" at the end of the word for the long /a/, and "c" for the /s/ sound (not "s," which would make the /z/ in this environment). Multisensory tutoring teaches these rules explicitly, helping children apply them accurately.

Better Pronunciation

By practicing how to form sounds—shaping lips, positioning the tongue, and using voice or air—children distinguish tricky sounds like "b" vs. "d" or "th" vs. "f." This leads to clearer, more accurate speech.

Why Multisensory Matters

Research, including studies by Dr. Sally Shaywitz, shows multisensory methods enhance retention by engaging visual, auditory, and kinesthetic pathways. If a child struggles with one pathway, others compensate, making learning accessible. Tailored to each child’s needs, this approach supports varied learning styles and paces, especially for those with dyslexia or reading difficulties.

Key Benefits for Your Child  

• Engaging and Memorable: Combining senses makes learning interactive and sticky.

• Flexible Pathways: Multiple routes to learning ensure success even if one method fails.

• Personalized: Tutors adapt to your child’s strengths, boosting progress.

• Proven for Strugglers: Ideal for children who find traditional methods challenging, including those with dyslexia.

Why Choose Multisensory Over Standard Tutoring?

Unlike traditional tutoring, which may rely heavily on rote memorization or single-sense methods, multisensory phonics builds foundational skills through active, hands-on learning. It’s particularly effective for children lagging in reading and spelling, offering a structured yet flexible path to literacy.

Takeaway

Multisensory phonics tutoring empowers children to decode words, spell accurately, and speak clearly by leveraging sight, sound, and touch. For parents seeking a tutor to address reading and spelling gaps—whether due to dyslexia or other challenges—this evidence-based approach delivers results. To explore options, discuss multisensory methods with potential tutors to ensure the best fit for your child.