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Orton-Gillingham Approach

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The Orton-Gillingham approach is a highly structured approach that helps students break reading into manageable parts, gradually building skills in a cumulative way. It also pioneered the use of multi-sensory instruction-engaging sight, sound, and touch—which has been proven effective for students with dyslexia. By tailoring instruction to how these students learn best, Orton-Gillingham gives them the tools they need to succeed.

Key Features of the Orton-Gillingham Approach for Dyslexia:

  • Multisensory Learning:
    Engages visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic senses to help students better understand literacy concepts.

  • Systematic and Sequential Instruction:
    Teaches reading and writing in a logical, step-by-step progression, with each new concept building on prior knowledge.

  • Direct and Explicit Teaching:
    Clearly explains concepts with straightforward, targeted instruction on reading and writing skills.

  • Individualized Learning:
    Tailors instruction to each student’s pace and needs, recognizing that everyone learns differently.

  • Phonics-Based Focus:
    Emphasizes the relationship between letters and sounds to improve decoding and word recognition.

How Orton-Gillingham Supports Students with Dyslexia:

  • Targets Language Processing Difficulties:
    Strengthens the ability to understand and work with language, addressing core challenges of dyslexia.

  • Offers a Clear, Structured Approach:
    Its organized, explicit framework benefits students who struggle with abstract or intuitive learning.

  • Builds Confidence:
    As students experience success, their self-esteem and belief in their reading and writing abilities grow.

  • Improves Literacy Skills:
    Enhances reading fluency, spelling, and overall literacy through consistent, structured practice.

About Me:

I have successfully tutored both children and adults using the Orton-Gillingham approach. My journey began with my own daughter, who struggled for years in the classroom. Despite receiving multiple interventions through both public and private schools, as well as private tutoring, she made little progress. Only through Orton-Gillingham instruction did my daughter learn to read, this inspired me to become trained in the Orton-Gillingham method. I have completed training with The Institute for Multi-Sensory Education, and advanced training with The Dyslexia Training Institute, both programs Accredited by the International Dyslexia Association.

I offer in person tutoring in the Baltimore area, and virtual tutoring. For virtual tutoring, I provide a Multi-Sensory Tool Kit, ensuring the important component for the Orton-Gillingham approach.

In addition to my private tutoring practice, I am a children’s book author and a volunteer with the Dyslexia Reading Program in Baltimore, supporting under-resourced children and adults with dyslexia and other language-based learning challenges.

My book series, The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses, reflects my deep commitment to supporting individuals who face learning challenges. It has been translated into seven languages and endorsed by leading experts in psychology, education, and learning disabilities.

Cover of a children's book titled "A Dyslexia Story for Kids" with a girl holding an open book, surrounded by stacks of books, and text showing a humorous spelling of Mississippi.
Children conducting a science experiment at a science fair, with a distillation apparatus and various liquids, on a grid paper background. The title reads 'A story about boundaries' and instructs to keep your eye on the prize.

The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses Book Series was featured on the American Library Association Booklist and listed on the Reading Rockets Recommended Readings.

Book cover titled "A Story About Learning Differently" featuring children in a classroom with one boy looking frustrated at his math test, a girl with glasses holding a stopwatch, and three other children sitting at desks.
Cover of a children's book titled 'A Story About ADHD' showing a girl with red hair, freckles, and a purple shirt, smiling with her hands near her face. There is a thought bubble above her head with a drawing of a flying insect, and a science beaker and scattered objects on a table.

“I applaud Barbara Esham for finding a way to teach young children how to be more mindful. In so doing, she sets the stage for their greater well-being as adults.”

Dr. Ellen Langer, Harvard University Professor of Psychology

Cover of a children's book titled 'A Story About Staying True to Yourself' by Barbara Esham, illustrated by Mike Gordon, featuring a classroom scene with a girl doing handwriting and a girl holding her handwriting worksheet.
Cover of a children's book titled "The Adventures of Everyday Geniuses: A Story About ADHD and Overcoming Challenges" by Barbara Esham, illustrated by Mike Gordon, featuring a drawing of a young boy with red curly hair engaging in various activities like playing with a toy, holding a pencil, and smiling.