I spent a year taking a course on the Orton Gillingham (OG) method of teaching reading and spelling. I took the class at The Schenck School, a school specifically for dyslexic children. My teacher was a dynamic woman. She was hands down the best teacher I have ever encountered. Or, was it that what she was teaching was so enchanting? I think the answer is both.
What makes OG a special method for teaching kids to read and spell is that it is multi-sensory. What that means is, students of OG are taught to see, hear and feel each element of the language. Students are required to see it and say it, then say it and write it. The method starts with the most basic part of the language, the letter sounds, and builds from there. At the end of the course I took, I felt I had a complete knowledge of the English language.
The completeness came from multiple layers of learning. I was taught letters and letter combinations, correct letter pronunciation, and the best order for the letters to be taught. And it wasn’t in the same order as the Alphabet Song. I also learned a way to divide words into syllable types. This made word pronunciation much easier because there were rules associated with each syllable type. I was taught spelling rules, plural rules, and doubling rules which made it easier to read and spell words. I learned a ton about where English words came from, how they relate to other languages, and how to break down a word to discover its meaning just by knowing the parts.
Most of all, I was given a tool to teach others how to learn the language as well. I became a tutor of Orton Gillingham. I love words. I always have and taking this course made me love words more. I have created this platform because I believe in the Orton Gillingham method for teaching English. I think all people could benefit from this information, not just dyslexic kids. Although, it is amazing what it can do for someone dyslexic.
Kids and adults alike can benefit from Orton Gillingham. Please do not use this site as a substitute for tutoring. There is nothing like one on one treatment for someone struggling and a website like this will not compensate. But if you want to learn some rules and information about English that can help with learning, this is your site.
Thanks for visiting!
Contact: email.ogforall@gmail.com
(31) Comments
Thank you so much for work. I have taught twenty years and I have never been introduced to OG. Our youngest son was recently diagnosed as a gifted dyslexic in sixth grade. I am in the process of completing my Orton Gillingham basic certification. I have learned so much and I am a better teacher. My son has begun working with an OG tutor. I recently accepted a position as a principal of an elementary school and I feel passionate of brining OG to our teachers. Thank you for your informational blog.
Regards,
Kim
Thank you so much for your comment Kim. This is exactly why I write the blog, to spread the word about OG for everyone as a way of learning the English language. I’m so excited for your new position and that you are going to use OG as a method for teaching. Thank you again for taking the time to let me know that what I am doing here has touched you. I hope I can be a resource for your teachers when you start introducing OG to them! Jen
Kim, May I ask where you are? It sounds like you’re in Atlanta.
Hi Julia, Yes, I am located in Atlanta. I’m so glad you are finding OG for your son.
I am wondering if the two activity sheets on the /k/ ck rule page are available for download?
Carolyn
I can email them to you if you let me know your address.
Robin vs Robbin: How do you teach your students when to double the consonant after the short vowel and when not to?
I recently stumbled upon your blog as I was studying for a OG test. Thanks for all the great word lists. As a new (and very passionate) student I found them very helpful. Thanks so much. I will be coming back for some more suggestions, I am sure.
G’day
I have just discovered this fantastically helpful blog. Are you continuing into 2016?
with thanks
Lisa
Hi Lisa, thank you so much. I wish I could say I am going to continue the blog, but right now I have put it on the back burner. I am working on a novel. I am also a real estate agent and a mom.
It also gets harder to write the blog the longer I am not actively using Orton. I was tutoring when I started the blog and everything was fresh from the class.
I may take a refresher at some point and pick it up, but right now I have no plans to write regularly.
I hope people can get a good base understanding from what I have shared.
Thank you again for asking and for letting me know that the info I shared is helpful.
Warmly,
Jennifer
Totally understsnd. Mothers are such busy people. Good luck with the novel. XxLisa
I have a quick question for you: I’m trying to find a conclusive order in which to teach OG sounds. I’ve found numerous ‘scope and sequence’ documents. I was wondering if you could send me a copy of what you use in terms of phonogram progression. Thank you so much.
Hi, I was taught scope and sequence from a book called Unlocking the Power of Print by Dorothy Whitehead.
Julia,
I just bought your workbooks. How do I contact you? I had a few questions. I love your workbooks! Thanks!
Hi Donna, you can contact me at email.ogforall@gmail.com
Happy to answer your questions. 🙂
Hello! I just purchased workbook 1, then went to purchase workbook 2. I didn’t realize there was a bundle discount. Is there anyway you can contact me to see if I can still get the bundle price?
Hi Jennifer, Yes! I will send you a PayPal refund today for the difference.
Hi Jennifer, did you receive the refund I sent through Paypal?
Hey! Were you able to confirm receipt of my payment for workbook 1?
Yes, I see where you purchased.
Hello! I placed an order on your site and did not receive any follow up email or materials. I am trying to contact you, but there is no contact information on your site at all! Any help appreciated.
Hi Eileen, I’m so sorry for the hard time! I will email you links to your purchase right now.
I placed an order and paid through Paypal, but I haven’t received the materials. There isn’t any contact information posted anywhere.
I will email links to you right now.
Hi Tracy, I sent links to two email addresses. Please let me know if you still do not receive. My email is: email.ogforall@gmail.com
Thank you! I just received the links. These look fabulous!
So glad! Thank you for letting me know.
Aloha, I am having trouble seeing the download for the workbooks I just purchased. I will send a picture of the Paypal receipt, please let me know if you have received payment. Thank you!
Hi! I saw your purchase receipt and I emailed links to you. Please let me know if you have any problems receiving. My email is: email.ogforall@gmail.com
Hi. I purchased the materials through PayPal, but I have not received a link with the material.
Hi Erica, I emailed links to the PayPal email. Sorry you did not get them right away. I think the email sometimes goes to a junk folder. Please email me at email.ogforall@gmail.com if you do not get my email with the links.
Jen Webb