Program/Technique Review

Orton-Gillingham Method
Lindsay Shelton & Annie Hollett

Description

This method is a wonderful teaching tool. It is particularly

prevalent for the population of students with dyslexia; however, we

have found it to be an incredible method for all types of learners. The

Orton-Gillingham Method is language based and has a multi-sensory

component that is highly beneficial for all students. Using

multisensory techniques (auditory, tactile- kinesthetic, and visual)

concurrently when teaching reading skills will allow the students

optimal learning experiences (Orton-Gillingham Website). This

approach advocates for introducing elements of the language

systematically. This method is successful both in whole group and

small group learning. Each Orton-Gillingham method is personalizedit

is diagnostic and perspective as well. The uniqueness of this type of

instruction is that it allows the educator to capitalize on an individual

students dominant learning modality while delivering instruction that

will strengthen the remaining learning pathways (Orton-Gillingham

Website). There are many related Common Core Standards that

connect with this program (in regards to grades K-5). The Orton-

Gillingham Method teaches print concepts (the student will be able to

demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of

print), phonological awareness (the student will be able to demonstrate

understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds [phonemes]),

phonics and word recognition (the student will know and apply grade-

level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words), and fluency

(the student will be able to read emergent-reader texts with purpose

and understanding).

Evaluation

We believe that the multi-sensory component is definitely a pro

of the Orton-Gillingham Method. It not only allows children to be

exposed to a variety of modalities (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic),

but it also allows us, the teachers, to see in which modalities children

might be strugglingwe can then use this information to ensure that

the children are getting extra help in those areas where they do need

practice. Each Orton-Gillingham method is personalizedit is

diagnostic and perspective as well. We also believe that a pro of this

program is the Interactive OG which allows for online lesson planning

and assessment application. We believe that one of the cons of this

program is that it is not helpful for many students past the fifth grade

level because it is mainly a phonics based program. There is not a wide

research based component of this method, which we found to be

another con. The small amount of research that has been conducted

has been found to be inconclusive.

Consideration
 This approach is intended primarily for use with persons who

have difficulty with reading, spelling, and writing of the sort associated

with dyslexia (Academy, n.d.). However, all individuals can benefit

from the OG approach because of the multisensory techniques used.

We believe this program would be ideally suited for young elementary

students who are learning phonics skills for the first time or for older

elementary students who are struggling with learning disabilities. The

Orton-Gillingham approach can be taught individually, in small groups,

or in a classroom based setting. The simplicity of the way that this

program breaks down phonics allows it to be a beneficial tool for all

students of many different cultures (including English Language

Learners). It allows for a little wiggle room in accommodating student

interest (allowing them choice of words to practice with) and relates to

the Georgia Common Core State Standards as well.

https://voicethread.com/share/7137961/

Resources

Academy of Orton-Gillingham. (n.d.). Retrieved October 8, 2015, from

http://www.ortonacademy.org/approach.php

IMSE: Orton-Gillingham. (2014). Retrieved October 8, 2015, from

https://www.orton-gillingham.com