What is Orton-Gillingham?
Orton-Gillingham (OG) is a structured, evidence-based approach to teaching reading, spelling, and writing. It is multi-sensory, explicit, systematic, and tailored to each student’s specific needs—especially effective for children with dyslexia or reading struggles.
How is OG different from regular reading instruction?
OG breaks reading and spelling down into clear, teachable steps. Instead of memorizing words, students learn how English works—sounds, patterns, spelling rules, and syllable types. Lessons build logically, and skills are reinforced in multiple ways (visual, auditory, tactile).
How often should my child have OG tutoring?
Most children benefit from at least two sessions per week. Consistency matters because OG builds skills step by step. Some students who are significantly behind may benefit from more frequent instruction.
How long does it take to see progress?
Every child is different, but parents typically notice improvement in confidence and foundational skills within 6–12 weeks. Reading fluency and spelling gains often show more slowly because they require cumulative skill-building.
What happens during an OG lesson?
Lessons follow a predictable sequence:
phonemic-awareness warm-ups
review of previously learned skills
multisensory introduction of new concepts
practice blending and reading
handwriting and spelling
controlled text reading
The structure helps reduce anxiety and builds automaticity.