Orton-Gillingham Method

The Orton-Gillingham Approach is a direct, explicit, multisensory, structured, sequential, diagnostic, and prescriptive way to teach literacy when reading, writing, and spelling do not come easily to individuals, such as those with dyslexia. It is most properly understood and practiced as an approach, not a method, program, or system. In the hands of a well-trained and experienced instructor, it is a powerful tool of exceptional breadth, depth, and flexibility.

The essential curricular content and instructional practices that characterize the Orton-Gillingham Approach are derived from two sources: first from a body of time-tested knowledge and practice that has been validated over the past 80 years, and second from scientific evidence about how individuals learn to read and write; why a significant number have difficulty in doing so; how having dyslexia makes achieving literacy skills more difficult; and which instructional practices are best suited for teaching such individuals to read and write.

The Orton-Gillingham language program has long been used to instruct children and adults with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. Using visual, auditory, and kinesthetic associations, this phonetics-based guide covers reading and spelling, dictionary use, vowels, consonants, digraphs, diphthongs, word structure, handwriting, and more. Includes an appendix with evaluation tools, lesson plans, and suggested reading; a glossary; and an index.

This ungraded, multisensory curriculum teaches phonics and the structure of language at both the elementary and secondary levels. Using the Orton-Gillingham approach, it teaches handwriting, spelling, reading, reading comprehension and oral and written expression. The program consists of the Foundations for Literacy, Situation Spelling, and Situation Learning teacher's guides, Situation Learning student workbooks appropriate for all ages, and Alphabetic Phonics workbooks for lower elementary grades. Supplementary card decks are also available.

The EPS Dyslexia Training Program introduces reading and writing skills to students identified as dyslexic or at risk for dyslexia through a two-year cumulative series of videotaped lessons (not included). The program emphasizes intense phonetic analysis of written language and is presented in a structured, multisensory sequence of the alphabet, reading, spelling, cursive handwriting, and listening. Let's Read series Books 4 - 6 provide supplementary reading practice.