What Is a Three-Part Drill?

A Simple Explanation + Script for Teaching Students

If you’ve ever wondered how to start an Orton-Gillingham lesson on the right foot, the Three-Part Drill is it.

The Three-Part Drill is a key component of Orton-Gillingham lessons. It’s a multi-sensory practice that helps students become automatic with the sounds, symbols, and spellings of the English language.

Brain Power: Each part works a different pathway in the brain.

When we do the Three-Part Drill with students, we’re not just repeating sounds, we’re giving the brain a full workout. Each part of the drill lights up a different “pathway” for learning. One part strengthens reading by connecting letters to sounds. Another builds spelling by going from sound to symbol. And the last part puts it all together with reading and writing words.

When we use all three, students are practicing with their eyes, ears, and hands — that’s multisensory, and that’s what makes it stick.

How to Explain It to a Student

When you introduce the Three-Part Drill, keep it light, playful, and non-technical. Here are three simple ways you might phrase it:

• Game-Like Approach (great for younger kids):

“We’re going to play the Three-Part Drill. It’s a game where we use our eyes, ears, and hands to remember sounds, letters, and words.”

• Skill-Building Approach (for slightly older kids):

“This is the Three-Part Drill. It helps us practice sounds, letters, and words so they get easier and easier. Each time we do it, your brain gets stronger.”

• Confidence Approach (good for any age):

“We’re going to do the Three-Part Drill. It’s our chance to practice what we already know, so you’ll get faster and more confident every time.”

Example Script for Each Part

These short scripts show you how to guide students through each step of the Three-Part Drill. They keep the routine clear, simple, and consistent—so students know what to expect and can focus on practicing sounds, letters, and words with confidence.

Part 1: Visual Drill

You show a card; the student says the sound.

You: “What sound?” (holds up card with ‘ar’)
Student: “/ar/”
You: “Great. What’s the keyword?”
Student: “Car.”

Repeat for 10–15 cards based on review goals.

Teaching Tip: If a student hesitates, don’t jump in too quickly. Wait a few seconds, then give the keyword as a prompt.

Part 2: Auditory Drill

Focus on sounds the student has already learned.

You say the sound; the student writes the letter.

You: “What says /or/?”
Student: “O-R.” (writes OR on whiteboard or in sand)
You: “Yes! What’s the keyword?”
Student: “Horn.”

Part 3: Kinesthetic (Blending) Drill

You say or show a word; the student reads it or writes it.

You: “Let’s tap out this word: f-ar.”
Student: “Far.” (Writes: far)
You: “Nice job blending!”

Optional: use Elkonin boxes, phoneme tapping, or sky writing here.

A Final Word: Three-Part Drill Wrap-Up

The Three-Part Drill may feel repetitive — and that’s the point! Repetition builds mastery, and these activities activate every learning pathway: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.

Next up…

Now that you know what the Three-Part Drill is and how to use it step by step, let’s take it further. In my next article, I’ll show you how to make the drill fun in any setting—homeschool, pods, and classrooms. We’ll look at group activities, playful twists, and tips to keep every student engaged.

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