What is Orton-Gillingham Tutoring Approach?

Orton-Gillingham (OG) tutoring is widely recognized as the premier method for teaching phonics and spelling to students who struggle with reading, including those with dyslexia. Rooted in the Science of Reading, this approach offers a comprehensive, multisensory learning experience that integrates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic pathways to solidify new knowledge.

Aspects of an OG Lesson

Multisensory Learning

In OG tutoring, students engage multiple senses simultaneously, linking what they see, hear, and feel to reinforce learning. This multisensory approach helps embed new information more effectively in the brain.

Direct & Explicit Instruction

The OG method involves clear, direct instruction. Instead of expecting students to infer or guess the rules of language, they are explicitly taught each sound and skill, ensuring they have a solid understanding before moving forward.

Language-Based Approach

The English language can be complex, but OG tutoring breaks it down into manageable rules and patterns. By understanding these rules, students find decoding and spelling more predictable and less daunting, boosting their confidence.

Structured, Sequential, and Cumulative

Lessons are carefully structured and sequenced to build on previously learned concepts. This ensures that students are never confronted with material they haven't been prepared for. Each session revisits earlier lessons to reinforce learning and ensure retention.

Cognitive Development

Students in OG tutoring are encouraged to become "word detectives," learning to deconstruct words into meaningful parts. This strategy promotes independent reading skills, empowering students to rely less on teachers or other adults.

Flexible and Emotionally Supportive

Recognizing that each student has unique needs and learning styles, OG tutoring is adaptable. Lessons are paced according to the student's progress and interests. For those who experience reading anxiety or lack motivation, the approach includes supportive measures to make learning a positive and stress-free experience.

Personalized Instruction

OG tutoring typically involves one-on-one or small group settings, allowing for personalized instruction that caters to each student's strengths and weaknesses. This individualized approach ensures that all students, particularly those with dyslexia, receive the support they need to become proficient readers and writers.

At Sunny Side Tutoring, we utilize the OG approach to create a tailored, engaging, and effective learning experience for each student. Our goal is to make literacy skills accessible and enjoyable, fostering a love of learning and a sense of achievement.