Key Takeaways
- Look for the core principles in action: A true Orton-Gillingham program is more than a label; it’s a method. Ensure any curriculum you choose is built on a structured, sequential, and multisensory foundation to provide the research-backed support your child needs.
- Match the program to your family’s reality: The best program is one you can use consistently and confidently. Consider your own teaching experience and look for options with scripted, open-and-go lessons if you need a clear, easy-to-follow path for teaching at home.
- Measure success in confidence, not just accuracy: While improved fluency is a great sign, the most significant progress often appears as a positive shift in your child’s attitude. When they start to tackle words independently and feel proud of their reading, you know the learning is truly taking hold.
What is an Orton-Gillingham Program?
If you’re exploring reading support for your child, you’ve likely come across the term “Orton-Gillingham.” It’s important to know that Orton-Gillingham (OG) isn’t a single, specific curriculum you can buy off a shelf. Instead, it’s a highly structured and evidence-based approach to teaching literacy. Think of it as a philosophy and a set of powerful tools that form the foundation of many successful reading programs.
The Orton-Gillingham approach was developed to help students who struggle with reading, especially those with dyslexia. It focuses on making the rules of the English language clear and understandable. Instead of asking students to memorize words, it teaches them the connections between letters and sounds in a logical, step-by-step way. This method breaks reading and spelling down into smaller, manageable skills, building a student’s confidence and ability from the ground up. Programs based on this approach are designed to be flexible, allowing a teacher or parent to adapt the lessons to a child’s specific needs.
The Core Principles
At the heart of the Orton-Gillingham approach are several core principles that make it so effective. First, it is multi-sensory. This means it engages multiple senses at once—sight, sound, and touch—to help cement learning. A child might see the letter ‘A’, say its sound, and trace its shape in the air all at the same time. This creates stronger neural pathways for retention.
Instruction is also direct, systematic, and cumulative. Lessons are taught explicitly, leaving no room for guesswork. They follow a logical sequence, starting with the simplest concepts and gradually building to more complex ones. Each new skill is layered directly on top of what the student has already mastered, ensuring a solid foundation before moving forward. This structured literacy framework is heavily aligned with the Science of Reading.
Who Can Benefit from an OG Approach?
While the Orton-Gillingham approach is known as the gold standard for teaching students with dyslexia, its benefits extend to a much wider range of learners. Any child who struggles to “crack the code” of reading can find success with this method. This includes students with other learning challenges, such as auditory or visual processing disorders, or those who simply haven’t thrived with traditional classroom instruction.
Because the approach is diagnostic and prescriptive, it’s tailored to meet each child where they are. An instructor continuously assesses a student’s progress and adjusts the lessons to target specific areas of weakness. This individualized attention makes it a powerful intervention tool for any struggling reader, providing the explicit, structured support they need to become confident, capable readers.
A Look at Popular Orton-Gillingham Programs
Once you start searching for an Orton-Gillingham program, you’ll quickly realize there isn’t just one. Instead, you’ll find a variety of curricula all built on the same foundational principles. Think of the Orton-Gillingham approach as the recipe and each program as a unique chef’s interpretation. They all use the same core ingredients—structured, sequential, multisensory instruction—but the final dish can look and feel quite different.
Some programs are designed specifically for certified teachers to use in a school setting, often requiring extensive training. Others are created with homeschooling parents in mind, offering scripted, open-and-go lessons that you can start using right away. You’ll also find differences in the materials they provide, from digital resources to hands-on manipulatives, and in the level of support offered to the instructor. The right choice often comes down to your child’s specific learning challenges, your own comfort level with teaching, and whether you’re looking for a program to use at home or to recommend for a school. Understanding these key distinctions is the first step in finding the program that will work best for your family. Let’s walk through some of the most popular options to see how they compare.
PRIDE Reading Program
The PRIDE Reading Program offers a comprehensive and scripted curriculum that makes the Orton-Gillingham approach accessible for everyone, especially homeschooling parents. It’s designed to be open-and-go, so you don’t need a background in teaching to use it effectively. The program is broken down into short, engaging, and multisensory lessons that help children build skills in reading, writing, spelling, and comprehension. Because it’s so structured and sequential, it’s particularly effective for children who are struggling to read, including those with dyslexia. The step-by-step guidance ensures you can teach your child with confidence, knowing you’re following a proven, research-based method.
Wilson Reading System
The Wilson Reading System is a highly respected program often used in schools for students who have a language-based learning disability, like dyslexia. It’s an intensive Tier 3 program that provides a structured, systematic, and cumulative curriculum. The program puts a strong emphasis on phonemic awareness, decoding, and encoding, which are foundational skills for proficient reading. While it’s a powerful tool for educators, the Wilson Reading System requires extensive training and certification to implement with fidelity, making it a more common choice for schools rather than for parents to use at home without support.
Barton Reading & Spelling System
The Barton Reading & Spelling System is another excellent program that is widely recommended for its ease of use, especially for parents. It’s designed to be user-friendly, with scripted lessons that guide you through every step of the teaching process. This makes it a popular choice for one-on-one tutoring at home. The Barton system is known for being effective with older students and even adults who continue to struggle with reading and spelling. Its structured approach helps fill in the gaps that may have been missed in earlier reading instruction, building a solid foundation for literacy skills.
All About Learning Press
All About Learning Press offers two distinct but complementary programs: All About Reading and All About Spelling. These programs are rooted in the Orton-Gillingham approach and are designed to make learning fun and engaging for children. They are especially helpful for kids with dyslexia. The programs use a multisensory method with color-coded letter tiles, activities, and readers that keep students interested. A key feature is the “Go Ahead and Use It” guarantee, which allows you to try the program and see if it works for your child. The separation of reading and spelling allows you to focus on one area at a time or teach them together at your child’s pace.
IMSE (Institute for Multi-Sensory Education)
The Institute for Multi-Sensory Education, or IMSE, focuses on providing educators with the training and tools they need to implement the Orton-Gillingham method effectively. IMSE has spent years refining its approach, integrating the latest findings from the Science of Reading to support all students, especially struggling readers. Their training programs are designed to give teachers a deep understanding of how letters and sounds work together. While IMSE primarily serves educators through professional development, their resources and training are invaluable for anyone looking to master the Orton-Gillingham approach and apply it in a classroom or tutoring setting.
How Do the Top OG Programs Compare?
When you start looking at different Orton-Gillingham programs, you’ll notice they share a common foundation but have unique features. The best choice depends on your specific needs, teaching environment, and your student’s learning style. It’s helpful to remember that Orton-Gillingham is an approach—a set of principles and teaching techniques—not a single, rigid program. Different curricula apply this approach in their own way. Let’s break down the key areas where these top programs differ so you can find the right fit for your learner.
Teaching Methods and Structure
Every program based on the Orton-Gillingham approach will be structured, sequential, and multisensory. The core of the method is to explicitly teach the connections between letters and sounds. However, the way this is delivered can vary. Some programs require instructors to undergo intensive training to learn how to create individualized lesson plans from scratch. Others, like the PRIDE Reading Program, provide scripted, open-and-go lessons that guide you through every step. This makes it much easier for parents and teachers who aren’t certified OG practitioners to implement the program with fidelity and confidence right out of the box.
Included Materials and Resources
The materials included with a program can make a huge difference in your teaching experience. Most OG programs come with a teacher’s manual, student workbooks, and some form of manipulatives like letter tiles or sound cards. Where they differ is in the comprehensiveness and quality of these resources. Some programs separate reading and spelling into different products, meaning you have to make multiple purchases. A complete system will offer an all-in-one homeschool curriculum that integrates all aspects of literacy. Look for programs that also include engaging, age-appropriate decodable books so students can immediately apply what they’re learning.
Training and Support
The level of required training is one of the biggest distinctions between OG programs. Traditional programs often demand that educators complete expensive and time-consuming certification courses before they can teach the curriculum. While this ensures a deep understanding of the approach, it can be a significant barrier for homeschoolers or schools with limited budgets. In contrast, some modern programs are designed to be used without prior training. They offer straightforward instructions and may provide access to support from reading specialists if you run into challenges. This accessibility empowers more parents and teachers to effectively help their struggling readers.
Flexibility for Different Learning Environments
A program’s adaptability is crucial, whether you’re teaching one child at the kitchen table or a classroom full of students. The OG approach is powerful because it’s diagnostic and prescriptive, meaning it can be tailored to an individual child’s needs. Some programs are designed primarily for one-on-one tutoring, which can make them difficult to use in a group. Others offer flexible solutions, with materials and pacing guides that work for homeschooling, small groups, or even a full school district curriculum. Consider your specific teaching environment and look for a program that can adapt with you.
How Much Do Orton-Gillingham Programs Cost?
When you start looking into Orton-Gillingham programs, one of the first things you’ll notice is the wide range of prices. The cost depends heavily on what you’re looking for: a full curriculum for homeschooling, an intensive teacher certification course, or one-on-one tutoring. Understanding the different types of costs will help you find a program that fits your budget and meets your child’s needs without any surprises.
It’s helpful to think of this as an investment in literacy. While some options carry a significant price tag, the goal is to provide foundational reading skills that will last a lifetime. Let’s break down what you can expect to pay.
Typical Program Costs
The cost of an Orton-Gillingham program can range from a few hundred dollars for a basic curriculum to several thousand for comprehensive teacher training. For example, a parent purchasing a curriculum for home use might find options like the PRIDE Reading Program, which offers structured, all-in-one kits. On the other hand, professional training for educators is a much larger investment. Some organizations charge around $1,500 for a training course, while more intensive programs that include a practicum can cost $3,000 or more. For families seeking private, one-on-one instruction, the annual cost can be substantial, sometimes ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 per year.
Extra Fees for Training and Materials
It’s important to look beyond the initial sticker price. Many programs have additional costs for essential materials, which can add up quickly. For instance, a teacher training course might charge the base fee for instruction and then require you to purchase a separate materials package for several hundred dollars. Some digital programs operate on a subscription model, requiring an annual fee to maintain access to their platform and resources. You might also need to buy physical items like phonogram cards, decodable readers, and workbooks separately. Always check what’s included in the package to get a clear picture of the total investment required.
Budgeting for Your Choice
When planning your budget, start by clarifying your goal. Are you a parent who needs a straightforward, scripted curriculum to use at home, or are you an educator pursuing a professional certification? Make a list of your top program choices and create a column for the base price and another for any extra fees for materials, shipping, or subscriptions. Some providers offer different tiers of training or curriculum packages, which can provide flexibility. For example, you might find an introductory online course for a lower price point that allows you to get started right away. By comparing the total costs and what you get for your money, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your financial plans and educational goals.
Common Myths About Orton-Gillingham
When you start researching reading interventions, you’ll quickly find that the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach comes with a lot of buzz—and a few misunderstandings. It’s easy for misinformation to spread, which can make it harder to decide if it’s the right path for your child or students. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths you might encounter. Understanding the truth behind this powerful, research-backed methodology will help you feel more confident as you explore different programs and find the best fit for your learner’s unique needs.
Myth: It’s Only for Dyslexia
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the Orton-Gillingham approach is exclusively for children with dyslexia. While it is incredibly effective for dyslexic learners, its benefits reach much further. Because OG is a structured, sequential, and multisensory method, it’s a fantastic tool for anyone struggling with reading, writing, or spelling. The approach is flexible by design, allowing it to be adapted for various learning challenges. So, whether a child has a formal diagnosis or is simply finding reading difficult, the principles of OG can provide the foundational support they need to succeed.
Myth: Every Program Guarantees Success
It’s tempting to believe that any program with an “Orton-Gillingham” label is a guaranteed fix. While the approach has a strong track record, it’s not a magic wand. A child’s success depends on several key factors: the quality of the specific program, the instructor’s training and consistency, and the student’s individual learning profile. It’s important to have realistic expectations and remember that progress takes time and consistent effort. Finding a high-quality program and implementing it faithfully is what truly sets a child up for success, but results will always vary from one learner to another.
Myth: It’s a Single Program, Not an Approach
Many people think “Orton-Gillingham” is the name of one specific curriculum. In reality, it’s an instructional approach—a set of principles and practices that form the foundation for many different programs. Think of it as a framework rather than a single, off-the-shelf product. This is actually one of its greatest strengths. Different programs, like PRIDE Reading Program, build upon the core Orton-Gillingham principles but may use different materials or pacing. This variety allows you to choose a program that best fits your teaching style and, more importantly, your child’s specific needs.
Key Features to Look For in an OG Program
When you start looking at different Orton-Gillingham programs, the options can feel overwhelming. While many programs are built on the same core principles, their execution can vary quite a bit. To find the right fit, it helps to know what key features make a program truly effective. Think of these as the non-negotiables—the elements that ensure you’re getting a high-quality, research-backed system that gives your child the best chance at success. A great program isn’t just about the name; it’s about having the right tools and structure to support both the learner and the teacher every step of the way.
Multi-Sensory Teaching Elements
A true Orton-Gillingham program uses a multi-sensory approach, which simply means it engages more than one of the senses at a time. Instead of just looking at letters on a page, students might trace them in sand, use letter tiles to build words, or say sounds out loud as they write them. This method helps create stronger neural pathways for learning, making it easier for children to retain information. For students who struggle with reading, especially those with dyslexia, this hands-on approach is critical. It connects the visual (what they see), auditory (what they hear), and kinesthetic (what they feel and do) aspects of reading, which helps solidify concepts that might otherwise be abstract.
A Clear, Step-by-Step Structure
The best OG programs are systematic and cumulative. This means they follow a logical, step-by-step sequence where each new skill builds directly on the one before it. Nothing is left to chance. The program should move from simple concepts, like identifying individual letter sounds, to more complex ones, like reading multi-syllable words, without any gaps. This clear structure provides a roadmap for learning that prevents students from feeling overwhelmed. It also ensures they master a concept before moving on. This is a core component of the Orton-Gillingham approach, which breaks reading down into manageable pieces to build a solid foundation for literacy.
Easy-to-Use Resources for Parents
If you’re a parent teaching your child at home, you need a program that is straightforward and easy to implement. Look for programs that offer scripted, open-and-go lesson plans that tell you exactly what to say and do. This eliminates the stress of lesson planning and extensive prep work, allowing you to focus on your child. Quality programs provide all the materials you need, from decodable readers to practice workbooks. The PRIDE homeschool curriculum, for example, is designed with parents in mind, offering a complete, user-friendly kit. Having accessible, well-organized resources makes the teaching process smoother and much more effective.
Alignment with the Science of Reading
It’s essential to choose a program that is firmly grounded in the Science of Reading. This means the teaching methods are based on decades of scientific research about how our brains learn to read. An OG program aligned with this research will explicitly and systematically teach phonics—the relationship between letters and sounds. It won’t rely on guessing strategies or memorizing whole words. Instead, it gives students the tools to decode words accurately and confidently. This evidence-based foundation is what makes the approach so powerful and ensures you are using strategies that have been proven to work.
How OG Programs Adapt to Different Learning Styles
One of the most powerful aspects of the Orton-Gillingham approach is that it isn’t a rigid, one-size-fits-all curriculum. Instead, it’s a flexible framework designed to meet children exactly where they are. This adaptability is a game-changer for kids who don’t fit the traditional learning mold, including those with dyslexia or other processing challenges. Because the approach is diagnostic and prescriptive, lessons are tailored to a student’s specific strengths and weaknesses, ensuring they get the right support at the right time without feeling left behind or bored.
The core of this adaptability lies in its multisensory teaching methods. By engaging sight, sound, and touch simultaneously, OG programs create multiple pathways in the brain for information to stick. This means that if a child struggles to learn visually, they have auditory and kinesthetic (touch-based) channels to support them. This built-in flexibility ensures that every child has the opportunity to connect with the material in the way that makes the most sense for them. It’s about building a solid foundation for literacy one step at a time, rather than rushing through a predetermined lesson plan. This is a core component of structured literacy, which emphasizes explicit and systematic instruction to make sure no student misses a critical skill.
Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic Approaches
The Orton-Gillingham approach is built on the idea of multisensory learning, which simply means teaching through sight, sound, and touch all at once. For a visual learner, this might involve seeing a letter on a card. For an auditory learner, it’s about hearing the sound that letter makes. And for a kinesthetic learner, it’s the physical act of tracing the letter with their finger. By combining these pathways, OG programs help cement concepts in a child’s memory much more effectively than a single-sense approach. This method ensures that learning isn’t just happening on a worksheet; it’s an interactive experience that engages the whole brain, making it easier for children to build and retain crucial reading skills.
Support for Processing Disorders
For children with processing disorders like dyslexia, the world of letters and sounds can feel chaotic. The Orton-Gillingham approach brings order to that chaos. Its structured, sequential, and cumulative nature means that concepts are broken down into their smallest, most manageable parts and taught explicitly. Nothing is left to guesswork. This systematic process is incredibly supportive for students who struggle to process information. Each lesson builds directly on the last, creating a logical and predictable path forward. By providing this clear structure, OG programs empower educators and parents to create individualized plans that directly address a child’s specific challenges, helping them build skills and confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
Options for Individualized Learning
Unlike many classroom reading programs that move at a set pace for everyone, the OG approach is completely individualized. It functions as a diagnostic and prescriptive tool, meaning you first identify a child’s specific needs and then tailor the instruction to meet them. There is no pressure to keep up with a group or move on before a concept is fully mastered. This makes it an ideal framework for a homeschool curriculum or one-on-one tutoring. Because Orton-Gillingham is an approach rather than a single brand-name program, you have the flexibility to find materials and create lessons that truly resonate with your child. This personalized learning experience ensures that your child is always working on the exact skills they need to strengthen, making every lesson count.
How to Choose the Right Program for Your Family
Picking an Orton-Gillingham program can feel like a huge decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The best program isn’t necessarily the most expensive or the most well-known; it’s the one that fits your child, your teaching style, and your daily life. Think of it as finding the right key for a specific lock. Each child’s learning needs are unique, and your family’s circumstances are, too. The goal is to find a program that feels like a true partner in your child’s literacy journey.
To do this, you’ll want to consider a few key factors. First, what are your child’s specific reading struggles? A great program will be adaptable to their needs. Next, what is your own experience and comfort level with teaching? Some programs are designed for seasoned educators, while others are scripted and easy for parents to implement right out of the box. You also need to think about your learning environment—what works in a quiet homeschool room might be different from what’s needed in a busy classroom. Finally, it’s crucial to look for quality and ensure the program is truly aligned with the Science of Reading. By taking a clear look at these areas, you can confidently choose a path that leads to real reading success.
Assess Your Child’s Specific Needs
The Orton-Gillingham approach is powerful because it’s designed to be individualized for each child. Before you choose a program, take some time to pinpoint your child’s specific struggles. Are they having trouble with letter-sound recognition, blending sounds, or remembering sight words? Do they show signs of dyslexia? A good OG program will offer a placement test or assessment to help you identify their starting point. Look for a curriculum that is flexible enough to meet your child where they are and build from there. The most effective intervention is one that adapts to your child’s unique profile, ensuring every lesson is targeted and meaningful.
Consider Your Teaching Experience
Let’s be honest: your experience and confidence as an instructor matter. Some Orton-Gillingham programs require extensive, and often expensive, training to implement correctly. Others are created with parents and tutors in mind, offering scripted, open-and-go lessons. While being a skilled professional is valuable, the ability to connect with your student is just as important. If you’re a parent new to this, a program with strong support, clear instructions, and ready-made materials can make all the difference. The PRIDE Homeschool Curriculum, for example, is designed to be easy to follow, so you can focus on supporting your child instead of stressing over lesson planning.
Evaluate Your Learning Environment
Where will the learning happen? A program that works well for a one-on-one homeschool setting might not be the best fit for a small group in a school. Think about the practical side of things. Do you have a dedicated space? How much time can you realistically commit each day? Look for a program with materials that are well-organized and easy to manage in your specific environment. A great structured literacy program empowers you to create an effective, multi-sensory plan whether you’re at the kitchen table or in a classroom. The right tools should simplify your teaching process, not complicate it.
Look for Quality and Accreditation
It’s important to remember that Orton-Gillingham is an approach, not a specific, trademarked program. This means that many different curricula are based on its principles, but their quality can vary. When you’re comparing options, look for programs that are explicitly aligned with the Orton-Gillingham approach and its core tenets of being structured, sequential, and multi-sensory. Check for testimonials from other parents and educators. Does the company provide clear evidence of its effectiveness? A quality program will be transparent about its methods and proud to show you how it helps students succeed.
How to Track Your Child’s Progress
When you start an Orton-Gillingham program, you’re looking for real, meaningful change. While formal assessments have their place, some of the most important signs of progress show up in everyday moments. Tracking your child’s journey is about observing their skills, their understanding, and just as importantly, their feelings about reading. You’ll want to look for a collection of small victories that add up to big transformations.
As you work through the lessons, pay attention to how your child interacts with words both on and off the page. Are they reading more smoothly? Are they understanding the stories they read? Do they seem less anxious when it’s time to practice? These shifts are the true indicators that the program is working. Below are a few key areas to watch as your child builds the foundation for a lifetime of reading success.
Improvements in Fluency and Accuracy
One of the first things you’ll likely notice is a change in your child’s reading fluency and accuracy. At the beginning, reading can feel slow and choppy as they work hard to decode each word. As the Orton-Gillingham approach starts to click, you’ll hear a difference. The long pauses will shorten, and they’ll sound out unfamiliar words with more confidence and precision.
Success isn’t just about getting the words right; it’s about reading with a natural rhythm and flow. This automaticity frees up their mental energy to focus on what the text actually means. When you see your child reading more smoothly and accurately, you know their brain is building the strong neural pathways needed for proficient reading.
Stronger Reading Comprehension
Decoding words is only half the battle; understanding them is the real goal. Stronger reading comprehension is a clear sign that your child is moving beyond simply sounding out letters and is now connecting with the meaning behind the words. You can track this by having simple conversations after they read a passage or a book.
Ask them to tell you what happened in their own words or ask simple questions about the characters and plot. Can they predict what might happen next? When a child can accurately summarize or discuss what they’ve read, it shows they are actively making sense of the text. This is a huge milestone and a core principle of the Science of Reading.
A Positive Shift in Confidence
For a child who has struggled with reading, especially a child with dyslexia, the emotional toll can be significant. That’s why a positive shift in their confidence is one of the most rewarding signs of progress. You might notice they are less resistant to reading practice or stop making comments like, “I’m bad at reading.”
Look for small signs of this growing self-assurance. Maybe they volunteer to read a bedtime story, or perhaps they proudly read a sign aloud at the grocery store. This change in attitude is monumental. When a child starts to see themselves as a capable reader, their motivation grows, creating a positive cycle of learning and achievement that extends far beyond their lessons.
Independent Use of New Skills
True learning happens when a child can take what they’ve learned in a lesson and apply it to the real world. When you see your child using their new skills independently, you know the concepts are truly sticking. This is a great indicator that the explicit, systematic instruction of a structured literacy program is working.
You might spot them trying to decode a word on a menu, a toy box, or a website. They might start correcting their own reading errors without prompting or use a new vocabulary word in conversation. These moments show that they are not just memorizing rules for their lessons; they are internalizing them and building a reading framework they can use anywhere, anytime.
Getting Started with Your Chosen Program
Once you’ve selected the right Orton-Gillingham program, the next step is to put it into action. A strong start can make all the difference in building momentum and confidence for both you and your child. Setting up a solid foundation involves understanding your child’s current abilities, creating an inviting learning environment, and establishing a predictable routine. These initial steps don’t have to be complicated, but they are essential for creating a positive and effective learning experience from the very beginning. By thoughtfully preparing, you pave the way for consistent progress and help your child feel supported on their reading journey.
Complete the Initial Assessment
Before you open the first lesson book, it’s important to know exactly where your child stands. Most high-quality OG programs offer a way to gauge your child’s current reading level. For instance, the PRIDE Reading Program provides a “Placement Check” to pinpoint the best curriculum level to begin with. This isn’t about passing or failing; it’s about gathering information. An initial assessment helps you understand your child’s specific strengths and areas for growth. This allows the program to be truly individualized, addressing reading struggles with targeted, evidence-based strategies that help your child build essential skills for long-term success.
Set Up Your Learning Space
Creating a dedicated space for your reading lessons helps signal to your child that it’s time to focus and learn. This doesn’t need to be a formal classroom—a quiet corner of the living room or a small desk in their bedroom works perfectly. The key is to make it comfortable, organized, and free from distractions. Since the Orton-Gillingham approach is multi-sensory, have your hands-on materials ready to go. This might include letter tiles, sand trays, or whiteboards. Having fun, engaging resources like decodable books within reach keeps the lessons interesting and helps your child connect with the material in a tangible way.
Create a Consistent Practice Schedule
Consistency is your best friend when teaching a child to read. A regular schedule helps build a routine that your child can depend on, which reduces anxiety and makes learning a natural part of their day. While OG lessons are tailored to each student’s needs, the schedule itself should be predictable. Decide on the best days and times for your lessons and stick to them as much as possible. Short, frequent sessions are often more effective than long, infrequent ones. The goal is to build skills incrementally, leading to greater confidence, fluency, and comprehension. A steady rhythm helps your child internalize new concepts and see their own progress over time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a certified teacher to use an Orton-Gillingham program? Not at all. While some programs are designed for classroom professionals and require extensive training, many of the best modern programs are created specifically for parents. Curricula like the PRIDE Reading Program are scripted and designed to be open-and-go, meaning the lessons provide you with exactly what to say and do. This allows you to teach with confidence, knowing you are using a proven method without needing a background in education.
My child doesn’t have a dyslexia diagnosis. Can they still benefit from this approach? Absolutely. Although the Orton-Gillingham approach is known as the gold standard for supporting students with dyslexia, its principles are effective for any child who finds reading difficult. The method works because it teaches the rules of the English language in a clear, logical, and step-by-step way. This structured instruction helps all kinds of learners build a solid foundation, especially those who haven’t found success with other reading methods.
What’s the difference between the Orton-Gillingham “approach” and a specific “program”? This is a great question because the terms can be confusing. Think of the Orton-Gillingham approach as a philosophy or a recipe for teaching reading. It includes core ingredients like multisensory, structured, and sequential instruction. A program, on the other hand, is a specific curriculum that uses that recipe. Different programs will package the approach with their own unique materials, lesson plans, and pacing, but they all share that same foundational, research-based philosophy.
How long will it take to see my child’s reading improve? Progress looks different for every child, and it really depends on their specific challenges and the consistency of your lessons. The key is to focus on steady growth rather than a specific timeline. You will likely notice small but significant wins first, like an increase in your child’s confidence or their willingness to try sounding out a new word. These shifts in attitude are just as important as improvements in fluency and are a clear sign that you are on the right track.
Why are some programs so much more expensive than others? The wide range in cost usually comes down to what is included. The most expensive options are typically intensive certification courses for professional educators or one-on-one tutoring with a specialist. A curriculum package designed for home use will be a different kind of investment. When comparing costs, be sure to look at what you get—some programs require you to buy materials or readers separately, while an all-in-one system provides everything you need to get started.