Understanding the Orton Gillingham Approach: A Guide for Parents and Teachers

If your child or student is struggling with reading, you may have come across the Orton Gillingham Approach (OG). But what exactly is it—and why is it so effective for children with dyslexia and other reading difficulties?

In this post, we’ll break down the Orton Gillingham Approach in simple terms and share how parents and educators can use it to support literacy success.

What is the Orton Gillingham Approach?

Originally developed in the 1930s by neuropsychiatrist Dr. Samuel Orton and educator Anna Gillingham, the OG Approach is a structured, evidence-based way to teach reading, writing, and spelling—especially for learners with dyslexia.

But over the decades, its effectiveness has extended to all kinds of struggling readers. Why? Because it teaches the structure of the English language in a way that’s logical, clear, and memorable.

The 10 Essential Elements of the Orton Gillingham Approach

Here’s what makes the OG Approach so effective and impactful:

1. Multisensory

OG uses visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning all at once. Students see the letter, say the sound, and write it—all at the same time. This full-body approach helps build strong brain connections and improves memory.

2. Phonetic-Alphabetic

It teaches that letters and sounds follow rules and patterns. Students learn to decode and analyze words by understanding how sounds connect to letters.

3. Sequential

Skills are taught in a specific, logical order—from the simplest concepts to the most complex. Each lesson builds upon the last, laying a solid foundation for literacy.

4. Cumulative

Learning is layered and connected. New skills always build on previously mastered ones, reinforcing growth over time.

5. Repetitive

Mastery is the goal. Students review and revisit skills frequently to ensure concepts stick.

6. Synthetic-Analytic

Students learn both to build words from sounds (synthetic phonics) and to break words into their parts (analytic phonics), giving them powerful decoding tools.

7. Diagnostic

Teachers constantly assess student progress. Instruction is flexible and shaped by each learner’s individual needs.

8. Prescriptive

Just like a doctor writes a prescription based on a diagnosis, OG educators tailor each lesson based on what the student needs next.

9. Structured

Every lesson follows a clear, predictable routine. This structure provides students with consistency and confidence.

10. Cognitive

Students don’t just memorize—they understand how the language works. They’re encouraged to think about and apply spelling patterns, rules, and the logic behind the language.

Key Features of the Orton Gillingham Approach

Let’s sum it up. Orton-Gillingham is:

  • Multisensory – Engages sight, sound, touch, and movement.

  • Structured & Sequential – Lessons build logically from basic to complex.

  • Explicit & Direct – Everything is taught clearly and intentionally.

  • Diagnostic & Prescriptive – Instruction is tailored and responsive.

  • Language-Based – Focuses on how English works, from phonemes to morphemes.

Why is Orton Gillingham Approach So Effective?

OG works because it simplifies the complexities of the English language into step-by-step instruction that makes sense. It’s supported by decades of research and is especially beneficial for students with dyslexia—but helpful for all learners.

With its multisensory and highly personalized approach, OG boosts student confidence, strengthens memory, and builds lasting reading skills.

How Parents Can Support Orton Gillingham Learning at Home?

You don’t have to be an OG expert to make a difference! Here are some ways to help:

  1. Encourage Multisensory Practice – Use sand, shaving cream, or textured surfaces for tracing letters.

  2. Play with Sounds – Rhyming games and sound-blending activities are great for phonemic awareness.

  3. Read Aloud Every Day – Hearing rich language helps develop vocabulary and comprehension.

  4. Use OG-Based Tools – Look for apps, workbooks, or resources designed with OG principles.

  5. Stay Connected with Teachers – Regular communication ensures consistency between home and school.

  6. If possible, Learn the OG Approach – Peruse our course offerings here!

How Teachers Can Bring the Orton Gillingham Approach into the Classroom?

  • Include multisensory activities like tapping out syllables or using manipulatives.

  • Teach phonics rules and syllable types explicitly.

  • Offer direct instruction in decoding and spelling.

  • Scaffold lessons to gradually build student independence.

  • Assess often and adjust instruction based on what students need next.

  • Consider taking an OG course for a deeper dive into the method. Check out our training options here!

Final Thoughts

For additional information about the Orton Gillingham Approach:

Whether you’re a parent supporting your child at home or a teacher guiding students in the classroom, understanding the Orton Gillingham Approach gives you powerful tools to help kids succeed.

With patience, structure, and consistency, struggling readers can become strong, confident learners. And that’s something worth celebrating.