Multisensory Approach

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The Orton-Gillingham Approach

Students with dyslexia need to master the same basic knowledge about language and its relationship to our writing system as any who seek to become competent readers and writers. However, because of their dyslexia, they need more help than most people in sorting, recognizing, and organizing the raw materials of language for thinking and use. Language elements that non-dyslexic learners acquire easily must be taught directly and systematically.

The Orton-Gillingham Approach can be described as language-based, multisensory, structured, sequential, cumulative, cognitive, diagnostic, and prescriptive.

Language-based
Orton-Gillingham (OG) lessons equip students with learning differences to succeed with language skills. These may include language that is receptive or expressive, spoken or written.

Multisensory
Multisensory instruction uses auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and tactile pathways simultaneously. This creates and reinforces strong memories that are easier to recall.

Structured
OG lessons teach the structure of language. OG practitioners use direct instruction to reveal the patterns that make English reading and spelling predictable. Lesson routines are clear so that students know what to expect.

Sequential
Concepts are presented in logical order. Simple, foundational ideas are presented and mastered before complex ones are addressed.

Cumulative
Information and skills build on each other, so regular review ensures that previously studied lessons are not forgotten. Concepts are mastered and retained.

Cognitive
Students begin to understand the logical patterns of language, and they are empowered to think through spelling and decoding challenges. Strategies are given and practiced so that students can exchange the insecurity of guessing for the ability to answer confidently.

Diagnostic and Prescriptive
The OG practitioner makes careful diagnostic notes about student errors. The next lesson is prescriptively planned to address the root of a student’s misunderstanding.

Other approaches, techniques, and programs utilized by Camperdown teachers include:

Lindamood Bell
Visualizing and Verbalizing
Structured Word Inquiry
LiPs
Wilson Reading
Keys to Literacy

Seeing Stars
Read Naturally
Hochman Basic Writing Skills
Keys to Comprehension
Diana King Method

Multisensory Approach

The Orton-Gillingham Approach

Language-basedOrton-Gillingham (OG) lessons equip students with learning differences to succeed with language skills. These may include language that is receptive or expressive, spoken or written.

MultisensoryMultisensory instruction uses auditory, visual, kinesthetic, and tactile pathways simultaneously. This creates and reinforces strong memories that are easier to recall.

StructuredOG lessons teach the structure of language. OG practitioners use direct instruction to reveal the patterns that make English reading and spelling predictable. Lesson routines are clear so that students know what to expect.

SequentialConcepts are presented in logical order. Simple, foundational ideas are presented and mastered before complex ones are addressed.

CumulativeInformation and skills build on each other, so regular review ensures that previously studied lessons are not forgotten. Concepts are mastered and retained.

CognitiveStudents begin to understand the logical patterns of language, and they are empowered to think through spelling and decoding challenges. Strategies are given and practiced so that students can exchange the insecurity of guessing for the ability to answer confidently.

Diagnostic and PrescriptiveThe OG practitioner makes careful diagnostic notes about student errors. The next lesson is prescriptively planned to address the root of a student’s misunderstanding.