Orton-Gillingham Approach
The Orton-Gillingham (OG) Approach is a structured, multi-sensory method for teaching literacy skills. With an emphasis on reading and spelling. Developers originally created the OG Approach to help children with dyslexia. However its effectiveness has made it beneficial for a wider range of learners who struggle with language processing.
What are the Key Features of Orton-Gillingham (OG) Approach:
- Structured and Explicit: The OG approach provides clear and explicit instruction. It breaks down skills into manageable steps. It’s structured format is especially helpful for learners who may struggle with processing information or require repeated exposure to concepts.
- Multi-Sensory Learning: Unlike traditional rote memorisation, the OG approach incorporates various sensory modalities. For example, visual aids, kinesthetic activities (learning through movement), and auditory cues to reinforce learning. For instance, a child might learn a letter sound by seeing it written and saying it aloud. This caters to diverse learning styles and strengthens memory retention.
- Individualised Instruction: The OG approach is designed to be adaptable to a child’s specific needs and learning pace. Therapists assess a child’s strengths and weaknesses to tailor the instruction and activities accordingly.
- Cumulative Review: New skills are built upon previously skills. The OG approach emphasises the importance of regular review and practice. It ensures concepts are well-established before moving on. This cumulative approach fosters a strong foundation for language development.
Benefits of the OG Approach:
- Improved Literacy Skills: The OG approach can help improve literacy skills. Such as reading fluency, spelling accuracy, and overall language comprehension. Especially for children who struggle with traditional learning methods.
- Increased Confidence: Children experiencing success with literacy skills can see a significant improvement in confidence and motivation to learn.
- Reduced Frustration: The structured and individualised nature of the OG approach reduces frustration for children. Mainly for children who have previously struggled with learning to read and spell.
- Stronger Foundation: The OG approach, by building a strong foundation in literacy skills, paves the way for future academic success.
Overall, the Orton-Gillingham Approach is a valuable tool for educators and therapists. They work with children who struggle with language processing and literacy development. Its structured, multi-sensory, and individualised approach can empower these children to learn and succeed.