What is Orton Gillingham instruction?

You may be wondering what Orton Gillingham instruction is and what does it look like put into action. Orton Gillingham instruction has seven characteristics. It is multi-sensory, sequential, incremental, cumulative, individualized, based on phonograms and explicit. Let's look at each characteristic and then we will dive into what that looks like in a lesson.

1. multi-sensory: Children learn best when they are using more than one sense in their learning. Each time and/or way they encounter a learning experience, creates a pathway in the brain. Each encounter builds on that pathway until the information moves from short term to long term memory. Children need to hear, see, say and feel during learning experiences. Singing songs, using manipulatives of all kinds, listening to and watching modeling of a concept are all ways of using multiple senses.

2. Sequential: Each lesson or experience should follow the same routine. Children thrive on routine and knowing what will come next. Don't skip around concepts---dig in and experience them before moving on. Let them really take the time to learn and embrace the process.

3. Incremental: Each lesson will build upon the previous lessons. A child does not just learn the sounds of the BL blend and then never spend time using it in the weeks and months to come.

4. Cumulative: Every OG lesson or experience is a constant and consistent review. ***Remember, we are building pathways in the brain!

5. Individualized: OG lessons are built around where a child is at, their strengths and where they need to build.

6. Based on phonograms: Letter sounds are the foundational building blocks of reading and writing. We go back to basics to make sure no building blocks are missing. Then we build up from where the child is at.

7. Explicit: OG instructors directly teach the materials in a clear and straight forward manner. Model, model, model everything!

I know this sounds like a lot and can feel quite awkard and clumsy when you first begin this way. But, trust me-----it works! I have been using this method for many years and my students are strong readers!

What does the lesson look like? Let me share a typical kindergarten lesson.

Concept: Long vowels

We always start our lesson with a review-----We use sound cards to practice sounds/blends/patterns we have already learned. We then use whiteboards to write down sounds that I call out. We review a set of sight words. Students may come up to the board to sort words according to open or closed syllables or spelling patterns.

We then move onto new material: For our long vowels I usually show them a song/video about vowel teams and we sing along with it. I model, model, model how to use the new pattern in words. We used sound chips and Elkonin boxes to sound out words using our new pattern. They may take some of these new words and write them in shaving cream or stamp them.

Now we go to application: We typically use a dictation sheet and sound chips for this part. I will say a word using our new pattern, then break it down using the sound chips. Student will then do the same and then they will write the word. We then move onto reading some phrases using our new pattern. Then we will write some phrases. I read the phrase. Student will clap it and then write it.

The next section is reading several sentences using both our new pattern and ones already learned. Last, I will dictate a sentence, they clap it and write it.

Independent practice: This is typically our independent station time. This is very much hands on and kids are moving around. They may write the room, looking for our new pattern in print. It may be magnetic letters for word building. Taking a set of words (both old and new) and building them on a pipe cleaner with letter beads. The possibilities are endless.

Small group: I use this several different ways. Some days, it's reading practice and comprehension. Other days, we work on a concept they need additional practice in.

I always use the same sequence so students know what to expect and it does not take long for them to move into indendent practice with ease because they know what to do and when to do it.

All these things combine in a constant and consistent manner, create an atmosphere where children love to learn and flourish!

Till next time-----happy reading!