What Is the Orton-Gillingham Approach — And Why Every Parent Should Know About It?

If your child struggles with reading, spelling, or often feels frustrated during literacy work, you may have heard the term Orton-Gillingham. But what exactly is it — and why do so many educators, tutors, and parents trust this method?

This guide breaks down the Orton-Gillingham approach in simple, parent-friendly language. You’ll learn what OG is, why it’s highly recommended for children with dyslexia or early reading difficulties, and how it can build real confidence in young learners.

What Is the Orton-Gillingham Approach?

Orton-Gillingham (OG) is a structured, evidence-based method designed to support children who struggle with reading, spelling, and decoding. Developed in the 1930s by Dr. Samuel Orton and educator Anna Gillingham, it was one of the first approaches created specifically for students with dyslexia.

Instead of relying on memorization or guessing strategies, OG teaches children how language works — step-by-step, in a way the brain can process more effectively.

Today, OG is considered a gold-standard approach for dyslexia and early literacy intervention.

How Orton-Gillingham Works (A Simple Breakdown)

Orton-Gillingham is known for being multisensory, sequential, and explicit. That means children learn using multiple senses while following a clear, well-organized path toward reading fluency.

The Core Features of OG

1. Multisensory Teaching

Students see it, hear it, say it, and touch it.A child might say a sound aloud while tracing a letter in sand or on a textured card — making stronger neurological connections.

2. Structured & Sequential Lessons

OG starts with the simplest skills (like individual sounds) and gradually builds to more complex patterns. This prevents gaps and strengthens foundational reading skills.

3. Explicit Instruction

Nothing is left to guessing. The instructor clearly teaches every concept, rule, and pattern so children understand why words work the way they do.

4. Individualized Pacing

Every child moves forward when they are ready. This ensures mastery, reduces frustration, and supports long-term success.

5. Strong Focus on Phonemic Awareness

Students learn to hear, separate, blend, and manipulate sounds — an essential skill for accurate reading and spelling.

Why Orton-Gillingham Is the Gold Standard for Dyslexia and Literacy Support

Dyslexia isn’t about intelligence; it’s about how the brain processes written language. Orton-Gillingham aligns directly with what research shows dyslexic learners need to thrive.

Benefits of Orton-Gillingham instruction include:

• Improved decoding and word recognition

• Stronger spelling skills

• Clear understanding of language patterns

• Increased confidence and independence

• Reduced frustration during reading and homework

  
  

Many reading specialists, tutors, and schools incorporate OG techniques because they are proven, adaptable, and highly effective.

How Knowing About OG Helps Parents Support Their Child

Even if you aren’t teaching your child at home, understanding OG can help you:

Make Informed Decisions

Ask the right questions when choosing a tutor, program, or school support.

Support Practice at Home

Simple multisensory activities — writing letters in shaving cream, tapping out sounds, or sorting word families — reinforce what your child is learning.

Build Confidence

When reading feels predictable and not overwhelming, children develop genuine confidence.

Track Progress More Clearly

Knowing the stages of OG helps you recognize growth, even in small steps.

Parent-Friendly Orton-Gillingham Activities to Try at Home

These OG-inspired activities are simple, sensory-rich, and great for early readers:

• Sound–Letter Matching: Say a sound and have your child select the matching letter card or magnetic letter.

• Sky Writing or Textured Writing: Have your child “write” letters in the air or on a textured surface while saying the sound.

• Segmenting & Blending: Clap or tap out sounds in a word, then blend them together to read it.

• Color Coding Words: Use one color for vowels and another for consonants to help your child see patterns.

These fun, low-pressure activities support reading development while keeping children engaged.

MST Final Thoughts

The Orton-Gillingham approach empowers children by giving them the tools and structure they need to understand written language. Whether your child has dyslexia, early reading challenges, or simply benefits from a more hands-on learning style, OG can be a transformative support system.

If you’d like help determining whether the Orton-Gillingham approach is right for your child — or if you're interested in MST-style multisensory tutoring — I can help you write that page next.