If you’re a parent, educator, or advocate for a child with Dyslexia or other reading difficulties, you may have heard of the Orton-Gillingham approach. But what is it, exactly? And why is it often recommended for struggling readers?

In this blog post, we’ll break down what Orton-Gillingham (O-G) is, why it works, and how it can help your children—especially those with Dyslexia—learn to read and spell confidently. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking for effective solutions, this guide will help you understand the benefits of the Orton-Gillingham approach.

What Is the Orton-Gillingham Approach?

The Orton-Gillingham approach is a research-based, structured literacy method that was developed in the 1930s by an American neuropsychiatrist Dr. Samuel Orton and educator Anna Gillingham. It was specifically designed to help individuals with Dyslexia.

The O-G is not a single program or curriculum—it’s a teaching philosophy and method that’s been proven effective for over 90 years.

Key Features of the Orton-Gillingham Approach

1. Multisensory

O-G engages visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile pathways to improve memory and learning. This means students don’t just hear a sound—they see it, say it, write it, and manipulate it. This multisensory approach helps reinforce connections in the brain and supports long-term retention.

2. Structured, Sequential, and Cumulative

O-G lessons follow a logical order, starting with the most basic concepts (like letter sounds) and gradually progressing to more complex skills (like syllable types or spelling rules). Each lesson builds on what was previously learned, ensuring no gaps in instruction.

3. Explicit and Direct Instruction

Every concept is taught clearly and directly, not assumed or left for the student to discover on their own. Students are guided step-by-step, making the learning process predictable and manageable.

4. Diagnostic and Prescriptive

O-G is a personalized approach—the tutor or teacher continuously assesses the student’s needs and adjusts instruction accordingly. This ensures that every child receives the right pace and level of support.

How 3D Learning Experts Delivers O-G Virtually—With Real Results

At 3D Learning Experts, we specialize in delivering the Orton-Gillingham approach virtually—without sacrificing the powerful multisensory elements that make it so effective.

Here’s how we bring O-G to life online:

• • 🧱 Tiles and Manipulatives: We use virtual letter tiles and spelling boards to help students build and decode words by allowing students to move sounds and syllables around—just like in a physical classroom.
    
  • 🎨 Colored Backgrounds: We use customizable screen overlays and colored backgrounds to reduce visual stress, improve focus, and support students with Irlen Syndrome or other visual processing challenges.
    
  • 🖥️ Interactive Web Tools: We use proprietary and carefully selected web tools that enhance the multisensory experience. From phoneme- grapheme mapping to gamified spelling practice, every session is fun, personalized, and effective.
  • 🎯 1:1 Personalized Instruction: Each student works with a highly trained tutor in a one-on-one setting, ensuring individualized attention, immediate feedback, and consistent support.
  • ✍️ Kinesthetic practice: Students are encouraged to write in the air, on textured surfaces, or on whiteboards to engage tactile memory—even online!
  • 🤝 Real-time, individualized support: Every lesson is taught live, 1:1, by one of our trained experts who adapts in the moment to meet each student’s needs.

Who Benefits from Orton-Gillingham?

While originally designed for individuals with Dyslexia, Orton-Gillingham is highly beneficial for:

• • Children with Dysgraphia (writing difficulties)
  • Students with ADHD or executive functioning challenges
  • Struggling readers who haven’t responded to traditional instruction
  • Homeschool students who need individualized support

In fact, the Science of Reading movement strongly supports structured literacy approaches like Orton-Gillingham for all emerging readers—not just those with Dyslexia.

Why Orton-Gillingham Works: The Science Behind It

The Orton-Gillingham approach aligns with decades of brain research and is consistent with how the brain learns to read. It supports the development of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—the core components of reading success.

According to the International Dyslexia Association, Orton-Gillingham is one of the most effective interventions for students with Dyslexia because it targets their learning style and helps them build the foundational skills needed to become independent readers.

Orton-Gillingham vs. Other Reading Programs

While many reading programs incorporate some elements of the Orton-Gillingham approach, there are important differences that set O-G apart from traditional methods.

Traditional reading instruction often relies on a one-size-fits-all, whole language or leveled reading approach. These methods may not offer enough direct, systematic instruction in phonics and often assume that students will naturally “pick up” reading through exposure and context.

In contrast, Orton-Gillingham based programs address the five key components taught by trained professionals. This makes O-G especially effective for students who haven’t thrived with traditional classroom instruction, particularly those with language-based learning challenges.

For the best results, it’s essential that Orton-Gillingham instruction is delivered by trained professionals who understand how to adapt and personalize the approach to meet each student’s unique needs.

What to look for in an Orton-Gillingham Tutor or Program

If you’re considering O-G instruction for your child, here are some things to ask:

• Is the tutor trained or certified in Orton-Gillingham or an OG based program?
  
• Do they provide 1:1 instruction?
  
• Will the lessons be personalized to your child’s specific needs?
  
• Is there ongoing progress monitoring and communication with parents?
  

At 3D Learning Experts, we specialize in Orton Gillingham based tutoring for students with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and similar learning disabilities. Our certified tutors provide customized, engaging lessons that help struggling learners thrive.

The Orton-Gillingham approach has stood the test of time for a reason: it works. If your child is struggling to read, spell, or write, O-G based instruction may be the key to unlocking their potential.

With the right support, every child can become a confident, capable reader.

Want to Learn More About Orton-Gillingham Tutoring?

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and find out how our individualized, online tutoring can support your child’s learning journey.