Orton-Gillingham
"WHAT IS ORTON-GILLINGHAM?"
The Orton-Gillingham (‘OG’) method of reading instruction was developed by Dr. Samuel T. Orton and educator Anna Gillingham. OG was created to help children who have difficulties in processing language and learning to read. It has been used mainly to help children with Dyslexia. It is fundamentally a phonics-based system which first teaches the basics of word formation before whole meanings.
"WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF ORTON-GILLINGHAM?"
There are three main features of the OG approach: Language-based, Multi-sensory and Structured.
Language-based
Here, the OG approach is based on a technique of studying and teaching language. In most programmes language is taught by having the student listen, speak, read and write. The theory behind it is that:
Multisensory
Here, the OG method accommodates the three main learning pathways through which most of us learn; ‘visual’, ‘auditory’ and ‘kinaesthetic’. In this way, the process involves a continuous and comprehensive interaction between what the child is seeing, hearing and feeling.
Structured
Here, the OG teacher introduces the elements of language in a very structured manner. Children begin by reading and writing sounds in isolation. Next, they blend these sounds into real words. They will then proceed to advanced structural elements such as syllable types and affixes etc. In this way OG is systematic and sequential. It moves from very simple language components to advanced language structure which incorporates patterns and rules of the language. It is also cumulative. Each step is based on learned concepts.
"WHAT IS THE DEBATE?"
The OG method has received mixed reviews. Despite widespread use in practice, critics feel that the current level of research is inadequate and that OG is by no means a scientifically based intervention for children with learning difficulties. The Florida Center for Reading Research reported in 2006 that it was unable to identify any empirical studies on the efficacy of the OG method.
The Orton-Gillingham (‘OG’) method of reading instruction was developed by Dr. Samuel T. Orton and educator Anna Gillingham. OG was created to help children who have difficulties in processing language and learning to read. It has been used mainly to help children with Dyslexia. It is fundamentally a phonics-based system which first teaches the basics of word formation before whole meanings.
"WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF ORTON-GILLINGHAM?"
There are three main features of the OG approach: Language-based, Multi-sensory and Structured.
Language-based
Here, the OG approach is based on a technique of studying and teaching language. In most programmes language is taught by having the student listen, speak, read and write. The theory behind it is that:
- Reading in context develops fluency, expression, attention to punctuation, and vocabulary.
- Writing isolated words reinforces sound-symbol connections.
- Writing words in context requires the child to hold multiple words in memory and to remember correct capitalisation and punctuation.
Multisensory
Here, the OG method accommodates the three main learning pathways through which most of us learn; ‘visual’, ‘auditory’ and ‘kinaesthetic’. In this way, the process involves a continuous and comprehensive interaction between what the child is seeing, hearing and feeling.
Structured
Here, the OG teacher introduces the elements of language in a very structured manner. Children begin by reading and writing sounds in isolation. Next, they blend these sounds into real words. They will then proceed to advanced structural elements such as syllable types and affixes etc. In this way OG is systematic and sequential. It moves from very simple language components to advanced language structure which incorporates patterns and rules of the language. It is also cumulative. Each step is based on learned concepts.
"WHAT IS THE DEBATE?"
The OG method has received mixed reviews. Despite widespread use in practice, critics feel that the current level of research is inadequate and that OG is by no means a scientifically based intervention for children with learning difficulties. The Florida Center for Reading Research reported in 2006 that it was unable to identify any empirical studies on the efficacy of the OG method.
For further information:
This information is meant to be helpful but Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be responsible for any loss caused by reliance upon it. If you have concerns about your child, please seek professional educational/healthcare advice. Should you find anything which you believe to be inaccurate please Contact Us as soon as possible.
