What Is Orton-Gillingham Tutoring?

Orton-Gillingham (OG) is a structured, multisensory approach to teaching reading, writing, and spelling, specifically designed for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. This evidence-based method breaks down the English language into manageable patterns, helping struggling readers build strong literacy skills in a way that matches their unique learning style.

Unlike traditional reading instruction, Orton-Gillingham is highly individualized. Tutors assess each student’s strengths and weaknesses, then tailor lessons to address gaps in phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, and comprehension. By using sight, sound, and touch, OG tutoring engages multiple pathways in the brain, making learning more effective and long-lasting.

Who Benefits from Orton-Gillingham Tutoring?

Orton-Gillingham tutoring is especially beneficial for students who:

• Have dyslexia or other language-based learning differences

• Struggle with decoding and spelling

• Experience difficulty with reading fluency and comprehension

• Have poor phonemic awareness (trouble recognizing and manipulating sounds in words)

• Need a more structured, step-by-step approach to learning

• Have not responded well to traditional classroom reading instruction

While OG is widely recognized for its effectiveness with dyslexic learners, it can also benefit any student who needs extra support in reading and writing.

Key Principles of the Orton-Gillingham Approach

Multisensory Learning

Students engage multiple senses—visual (seeing), auditory (hearing), and kinesthetic (touching and movement)—to reinforce learning. For example, a student may trace letters in sand while saying sounds aloud, strengthening brain connections for reading and spelling.

Structured and Sequential Instruction

Lessons follow a logical, cumulative sequence, ensuring that students master foundational skills before moving on. They learn the structure of the English language step by step, reducing overwhelm and frustration.

Explicit and Direct Teaching

Orton-Gillingham tutors provide clear, direct instruction, explicitly teaching rules and patterns rather than assuming students will naturally pick them up. This approach is especially important for learners with dyslexia.

Personalized and Flexible Lessons

Because every student learns differently, OG tutors adapt lessons to individual needs. Struggling areas receive extra reinforcement, while mastered skills are continuously reviewed to ensure retention.

Diagnostic and Prescriptive Approach

Tutors assess progress in real time, adjusting instruction based on student performance. This dynamic process ensures continuous improvement and growth.

Why Choose Orton-Gillingham Tutoring?

Orton-Gillingham is one of the most effective interventions for struggling readers, backed by decades of research and success stories. Students who receive OG tutoring develop confidence, reading fluency, and comprehension skills that empower them for lifelong success.

If your child is struggling with reading or has been diagnosed with dyslexia, Orton-Gillingham tutoring provides the structured support they need to thrive. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child unlock their reading potential!