Orton-Gillingham Methodology, curriculum for overcoming dyslexia w/ multisensory instruction

What exactly is "Orton-Gillingham" Methodology?

Orton-Gillingham based curriculum is multisensory. It is a specific way of teaching children with learning disabilities, and particularly for overcoming dyslexia. The method was created through the joint efforts of Samuel T. Orton and Anna Gillingham. Specifically, Orton-Gillingham programs incorporate specific, sequential, direct, multisensory instruction.

For children with dyslexia, this means they are taught every sound (phoneme) and the representative letter combination(s) that represent the sound, one at a time, in a specific order, in a small group, using multi-sensory teaching methods. The multi-sensory teaching methods may be tracing letters with their finger in sand as they say the sound (not the letter), or tracing the letter on the carpet with their bare feet as they say the sound, making the letters out of clay, or pipe cleaners, or using any other medium that allows them to hear, see, feel, and move while learning their sound/letter combinations. (continued below..)

When looking at reading, writing, or spelling programs for your child, you will find there is a great variety of Orton-Gillingham based programs in these areas of instruction. When thinking about the differences in Orton-Gillingham programs, think of Orton-Gillingham methods as a big set, and each program based upon Orton-Gillingham methods is one type of program that fits within the set.

Some programs use picture cards for queues to help the child recall letters, but for some children this may be an extra step in their recall of the associated sound. Most programs also have differences in the order that phonemes are presented too. The types of materials used and order are two common variations in various Orton-Gillingham based programs.

Probably the biggest difference in programs specific to teaching reading and spelling would be whether the program seeks to teach the child to "encode" or "decode" -- Encoding is taking a sound you hear, recalling the representative letter combination(s), and writing them down on paper. Decoding is taking the printed word, looking at it, and determining what sound you should say. Encoding is spelling and decoding is reading.

So called 'pure' Orton-Gillingham programs primarily teach "decoding". These programs teach a child how to read and provide some instruction in spelling, but the focus is READING. (continued below..)

Some programs primarily teach "encoding". The two main programs with this approach are Writing Road to Reading and Spell To Write and Read. These programs primarily teach spelling and generally the reading comes along with it.

I found teaching decoding (reading) first did not successfully bring about proper spelling. I am not convinced teaching encoding (spelling) first will always bring about reading, but I do believe teaching the encoding / spelling is more likely to bring about reading than the reading is to bring about spelling.

Children with severe dyslexia may very well require teaching from both directions, so I'd actually recommend approaching it from both sides. This would mean calling out the sounds (dictating) and having the child write down the letters; AND using flash cards to show the child the written phonemes and letting them call out the represented sound. By doing it both ways, the child's learning is maximized. I'd actually do one, then the other, but not both at the same time.

For information on how to select an effective Orton-Gillingham based program, read "How to Find Effective Orton-Gillingham Reading Instruction Programs for children with dyslexia" or consider purchasing the Orton-Gillingham Manual. For a complete program, you can get the book and the corresponding drill cards. For training opportunities, you might consider these resources:

379200: Gillingham Manual (Eighth Edition)

Gillingham Manual (Eighth Edition)
By Anna Gillingham & Bessie W. Stillman / Educators Publishing Service

The Orton-Gillingham method is a classic in the field of specific language disabilities. This method is commonly used with both dyslexics and children and adults with other reading disabilities. Based on extensive research about the learning styles of children with specific language disabilities, this Orton-Gillingham methodology uses visual, auditory, and kinesthetic associations to help students learn sound-symbol relationships.

The Gillingham manual, a classic in the field of specific language disability, is the backbone of the Orton-Gillingham technique. This multisensory phonics approach may be used with individuals or small groups and is appropriate for young children, older students, and adults as well as children. The manual covers reading and spelling (including a history of the English language that helps explain some curious spellings and pronunciations), training for older students, acquiring familiarity with sound symbols (letters and letter combinations), spelling patterns and generalizations, handwriting, and dictionary technique.

The Manual has been completely revised and updated. While the principles and techniques of the Gillingham method remain unchanged, the manual is now more readable and easier to use, including a full revision and updating of the index and an expansion of the appendix that includes more resources, tests, charts, and more.

Skills addressed:

History of the English language
Sound-symbol relationships
Letter formation
Spelling generalizations
Dictionary use
Short and long vowel sounds
Digraphs
Diphthongs
Affixes and roots
Word structure
Consonant sounds
Decoding and encoding words

Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) - "Based on the time-tested Orton-Gillingham method of reading instruction, the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) offers a revised and expanded multi-sensory approach that provides students the opportunity for success and benefits every learner."

Phonetic Word Cards
By Anna Gillingham & Bessie W. Stillman / Educators Publishing Service

This case contains 610 cards for use with any Orton-Gillingham based approach to reading instruction. The cards are divided into 43 groups of phonic sounds. Single words and detached syllables are used to exemplify the important patterns and generalizations found in reading and spelling. The cards can be used for decoding practice, to introduce spelling rules and generalizations, or for dictation. They are organized sequentially beginning with CVC words and moving on to spelling generalizations, syllabication, and word structure. One case per student is recommended.

The Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators - See "Training Programs & Courses" on the main menu for continuing education programs relevant to Orton-Gillingham instruction.

379202: Gillingham Phonics Drill Cards (8th Edition, without pictures)

Gillingham Phonics Drill Cards (8th Edition, without pictures)
By Anna Gillingham & Bessie W. Stillman / Educators Publishing Service

The Orton-Gillingham method is a classic in the field of specific language disabilities. This method is commonly used with both dyslexics and children and adults with other reading disabilities. Based on extensive research about the learning styles of children with specific language disabilities, this Orton-Gillingham methodology uses visual, auditory, and kinesthetic associations to help students learn sound-symbol relationships.

The majority of these non-picture Phonics Drill Cards are unchanged, though some of the key words have been revised and updated to follow the new manual. The cards are organized into three sets of separately numbered cards, each set designated by a color. White indicates consonant phonograms; salmon indicates vowel phonograms; and yellow indicates sound symbols for spelling. The word and the sound symbol of the phonogram are printed on the back of the card. The teacher pronounces the sound, and the student names the letter or letters that spell the sound. One pack is recommended for each student.

376202: Gillingham Phonics Drill Cards (8th Edition, with pictures)

Gillingham Phonics Drill Cards (8th Edition, with pictures)
By Anna Gillingham & Bessie W. Stillman / Educators Publishing Service

These phonetic cards are designed for use with an Orton-Gillingham based approach to reading instruction. Each of the 170 cards is printed with a letter or letter combination and picture on one side; the key word and sound-symbol are printed on the back.

The cards are organized into three sets of separately numbered cards, each set designated by a color. White indicates consonant phonograms; salmon indicates vowel phonograms; and yellow indicates sound symbols for spelling. The teacher pronounces the sound, and the student names the letter or letters that spell the sound.

These cards have been updated to reflect the key word changes in the revised Gillingham Manual. One pack of cards is recommended for each student. Please note that the cards are also available without pictures (#379202).