Orton-Gillingham

WHAT IS ORTON-GILLINGHAM?
 
The Orton-Gillingham (‘OG’) method of reading instruction was developed by Dr. Samuel T. Orton and educator Anna Gillingham.  OG was created to help children who have difficulties in processing language and learning to read. It has been used mainly to help children with Dyslexia It is fundamentally a phonics-based system which first teaches the basics of word formation before whole meanings. 

WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF ORTON-GILLINGHAM?

There are three main features of the OG approach: Language-based, Multi-sensory and Structured.

Language-based

Here, the OG approach is based on a technique of studying and teaching language. In most programmes language is taught by having the student listen, speak, read and write. The theory behind it is that:

• Reading in context develops fluency, expression, attention to punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Writing isolated words reinforces sound-symbol connections.
• Writing words in context requires the child to hold multiple words in memory and to remember correct capitalisation and punctuation.

Multisensory

Here, the OG method accommodates the three main learning pathways through which most of us learn; ‘visual’, ‘auditory’ and ‘kinaesthetic’.  In this way, the process involves a continuous and comprehensive interaction between what the child is seeing, hearing and feeling.

Structured

Here, the OG teacher introduces the elements of language in a very structured manner.  Children begin by reading and writing sounds in isolation. Next, they blend these sounds into real words.  They will then proceed to advanced structural elements such as syllable types and affixes etc. In this way OG is systematic and sequential. It moves from very simple language components to advanced language structure which incorporates patterns and rules of the language. It is also cumulative. Each step is based on learned concepts.

THE DEBATE

The OG method has received mixed reviews. Despite widespread use in practice, critics feel that the current level of research is inadequate and that OG is by no means a scientifically based intervention for children with learning difficulties. The Florida Center for Reading Research reported in 2006 that it was unable to identify any empirical studies on the efficacy of the OG method.

For further information click here

To Download This Page As An MP3 File click here

Back to top

***

Please note that every care is taken to ensure that the information included on this webpage is accurate. However, should you discover any information which you believe to be inaccurate please Contact Us as soon as possible.

Although the information we have provided here is meant to be helpful to you, Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy or reliance placed upon it. If you have any concerns about your child, you should seek professional educational or healthcare advice as soon as possible.