About
Orton-Gillingham

Orton-Gillingham Principles

1. Multi-sensory

Visual, auditory, tactile and kinesthetic techniques are incorporated simultaneously throughout all parts of the lesson

2. Diagnostic

Teachers assess and create lessons based on where the child is in their current reading ability. Concepts and skills are taught for mastery.

3. Prescriptive

Teachers make decisions for instruction based specifically on the needs of the individual child.

4. Systematic and Sequential

Lessons follow a specific order of progression and build on previously taught material.

5. Explicit

Teachers use direct instructions. Students are taught the rules, generalization and structure of the English language.

6. Language-Based

Orton-Gillingham lessons devote time to studying all aspects of language, its history, how it works and how it affects learning.

7. Flexible

"As fast as you can and as slow as you must"-Anna Gillingham
Teachers have the freedom to change the direction of a lesson plan based on a student’s performance.

8. Emotionally Sound

Since Orton-Gillingham is always reviewing previously taught materials, students get lots of repeated practice, which is confidence building. Students who experience this confidence develop a positive attitude toward the learning process.