The Orton-Gillingham approach is a direct, multisensory method for teaching reading, writing, and spelling that engages visual, auditory, and kinesthetic pathways simultaneously—particularly effective for students with dyslexia and reading difficulties.
What is the Orton-Gillingham Approach?
Developed in the 1930s by neuropsychiatrist Dr. Samuel Orton and educator Anna Gillingham, the Orton-Gillingham approach is a structured, multisensory method for teaching literacy. Students don't just see and hear words—they trace letters, use hand movements, and speak sounds aloud while learning. Everything is taught explicitly and sequentially, with each new skill building on previously mastered ones. Originally designed to help students with what we now call dyslexia, OG methods have proven effective for all types of learners who struggle with traditional reading instruction.
Key Takeaways
- Multisensory learning engages visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and oral pathways simultaneously
- Instruction is explicit—nothing is left to guessing or discovery learning
- Lessons are individualized based on each student's pace and needs
- Children with dyslexia may need 2+ years of OG instruction to achieve fluency
Core Principles
OG instruction follows several non-negotiable principles. It's explicit—teachers model exactly what to do and explain why. It's structured and sequential—skills are introduced in a specific order and build cumulatively. It's diagnostic—ongoing assessment determines what to teach next. And it's multisensory—students might trace a letter in sand while saying its sound and listening to themselves speak. This layered approach creates multiple neural pathways to the same information, making retrieval more reliable.
Popular OG-Based Curricula for Homeschoolers
Who Benefits Most
While OG was designed for students with dyslexia, it works well for any child who hasn't responded to traditional reading instruction—roughly 25% of learners. Children who are strong kinesthetic learners often thrive with OG methods even without a dyslexia diagnosis. The structured, explicit nature also helps children who feel overwhelmed by open-ended discovery approaches. That said, OG requires patience. Expect a multi-year commitment for struggling readers, not a quick fix.
Getting Started
Homeschool parents don't need formal OG certification to use OG-based curricula effectively. Programs like PRIDE Reading Program include scripted lessons and training videos. Budget $400-800 for curriculum materials. Several states with ESA programs—including Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina—approve OG curricula as eligible expenses through their scholarship marketplaces.
The Bottom Line
The Orton-Gillingham approach represents decades of research into how struggling readers actually learn. For homeschool families dealing with dyslexia or persistent reading difficulties, OG-based curricula offer a structured path forward. The multisensory, explicit instruction aligns well with homeschool settings where you can adapt pacing to your child's needs. Just remember: this is a marathon, not a sprint. Give it time to work.
