LEARNING Arena
Building on Success for a Successful Future
Reading
Spelling
Math
Essay Writing
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Orton-Gillingham Reading Therapy
MY teaching method
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Memory and Attention Training
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Cognitive Therapy
Reading
The Orton-Gillingham reading method is a structured, multi-sensory approach designed to teach reading and writing skills, particularly for individuals with dyslexia or other reading difficulties. Developed by Dr. Samuel Orton and teacher Anna Gillingham in the early 20th century, the method is grounded in the principles of phonics and aims to build strong foundational skills through a systematic and sequential process.
Key features of the Orton-Gillingham method include:
1. Multi-Sensory Learning: The method engages multiple senses—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—to reinforce learning. For example, students might trace letters in sand while saying their sounds, or use color-coded letters and sounds to aid memory.
2. Phonics-Based: It focuses on the relationship between letters and sounds. Students learn to decode words by understanding the rules of phonics, which helps them apply these rules to new words they encounter.
3. Explicit Instruction: Lessons are clear, direct, and structured, providing detailed explanations of language rules and patterns. This helps students grasp complex concepts step by step.
4. Sequential Progression: The curriculum is organized in a logical sequence, starting with the simplest concepts and gradually moving to more complex ones. This ensures that students build their skills progressively.
5. Individualized Approach: The method is tailored to meet each student's unique needs and learning pace. Instruction is one-on-one to address specific challenges.
6. Reinforcement and Review: Regular practice and review are integral to solidify learning and ensure retention of skills.
Overall, the Orton-Gillingham method is valued for its effectiveness in helping students with dyslexia and other reading challenges develop strong reading abilities by providing a clear, systematic approach to learning.
Success leads to success.
Spelling
The Orton-Gillingham method is highly effective for teaching spelling, particularly for students with dyslexia or other learning difficulties. Here’s how the principles of Orton-Gillingham can be applied specifically to spelling instruction:
1. Multi-Sensory Learning
Engaging multiple senses to reinforce spelling skills and memory:
- Visual: Use visual aids such as word cards, color-coded spelling patterns, and spelling lists. Create visual representations of spelling rules and patterns.
- Auditory: Incorporate auditory activities like saying each letter of a word aloud, or using mnemonic devices and rhymes to remember spelling rules.
- Kinesthetic: Involve physical activities such as writing words in sand or on a whiteboard, tracing letters with fingers, or using letter tiles and blocks for hands-on practice.
2. Structured, Sequential Instruction
Teach spelling in a logical, step-by-step manner:
- Phonemic Awareness: Begin with phonemic awareness activities to help students understand the sounds within words.
- Phonics and Word Patterns: Introduce common spelling patterns and rules systematically, such as vowel combinations, consonant blends, and silent letters.
- Gradual Progression: Start with simple, common words and gradually move to more complex ones, reinforcing each concept before introducing new ones.
3. Explicit Instruction
Provide clear and direct instruction on spelling rules and patterns:
- Rule Explanation: Clearly explain spelling rules and patterns, such as when to use “-ie” vs. “-ei” or the “i before e” rule.
- Word Analysis: Teach students how to break down words into smaller parts (onsets, rimes) and analyze their structure to understand how they are spelled.
4. Individualized Approach
Tailor spelling instruction to meet each student’s needs:
- Personalized Lists: Create individualized spelling lists based on each student’s current level and needs, focusing on words that are challenging for them.
- Customized Practice: Provide practice activities that target the specific spelling difficulties of each student, whether they struggle with certain letter combinations or patterns.
5. Reinforcement and Review
Ensuring regular practice and review to solidify spelling skills:
- Daily Practice: Integrate daily spelling practice into the curriculum, using a variety of activities and exercises to reinforce learning.
- Frequent Review: Regularly review previously learned spelling patterns and rules to maintain retention and understanding.
6. Building Conceptual Understanding
Helping students develop a deeper understanding of how spelling works:
- Word Families: Teach students about word families and how understanding one word can help with spelling related words (e.g., “cat,” “bat,” “hat”).
- Root Words and Affixes: Introduce the concept of root words and common prefixes and suffixes, helping students understand how they affect spelling.
7. Use of Reinforcement Tools
Employing appropriate tools and techniques that reinforce spelling learning:
- Spelling Apps and Games: Use of educational apps and games designed to reinforce spelling patterns and rules in an engaging way.
- Word Walls: Create word walls where students can see and interact with commonly used spelling words and patterns.
By applying these Orton-Gillingham principles to spelling instruction, I provide a comprehensive, structured, and multi-sensory approach that supports students in mastering spelling and improving their overall literacy skills.
Success leads to success.
Math
While the Orton-Gillingham method is primarily known for its application in teaching reading and writing, its principles can also be effectively adapted for teaching math, especially to students with learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyscalculia. Here’s how Orton-Gillingham's approach can be applied to math instruction:
1. Multi-Sensory Learning
Just as Orton-Gillingham uses multiple senses for teaching reading, it can be applied to math by incorporating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic activities. For example:
- Visual: Using colored manipulatives, diagrams, and charts to represent mathematical concepts.
- Auditory: Explaining math problems out loud, using rhythmic patterns or songs to remember math facts.
- Kinesthetic: Engaging students in hands-on activities, like using physical objects for counting or drawing out math problems.
2. Structured, Sequential Instruction
Math instruction can benefit from a clear, step-by-step approach similar to the Orton-Gillingham method. This involves:
- Building from Basics: Starting with fundamental concepts (e.g., addition and subtraction) before moving on to more complex topics (e.g., multiplication and division).
- Reinforcing Skills: Ensuring mastery of basic skills before progressing, to build a solid foundation.
3. Explicit Instruction
Explicit teaching involves clearly explaining mathematical concepts and procedures. This can include:
- Direct Explanation: Providing clear, detailed instructions and explanations for mathematical operations and problem-solving strategies.
- Modeling: Demonstrating how to approach and solve problems step-by-step.
4. Individualized Approach
Adapting the instruction to meet the individual needs of students is crucial. This might involve:
- Personalized Lessons: Tailoring lessons to address specific difficulties each student faces, whether they struggle with number sense, calculation, or word problems.
- Pacing: Adjusting the pace of instruction to ensure each student fully understands the material before moving forward.
5. Reinforcement and Review
Regular review and practice are essential for reinforcing mathematical concepts. This can include:
- Frequent Review: Revisiting previously learned concepts to ensure retention and understanding.
- Practice Providing ample opportunities for students to practice new skills in different contexts.
6. Building Conceptual Understanding
Emphasizing a deep understanding of mathematical concepts rather than rote memorization. This involves:
- Concrete to Abstract: Using tangible objects and visual aids to help students grasp abstract mathematical ideas.
- Connections: Helping students make connections between different mathematical concepts and real-world applications.
By adapting Orton-Gillingham’s principles to math instruction, I provide a more accessible and effective learning experience for students with various learning needs, ensuring they develop a solid understanding of mathematical concepts through a structured, engaging approach.
Success leads to success.
Writing
Applying the Orton-Gillingham method to essay writing can provide a structured and systematic approach that helps students, especially those with learning difficulties, develop strong writing skills. Here’s how the principles of Orton-Gillingham can be adapted to teach essay writing:
1. Multi-Sensory Learning
Engaging multiple senses to reinforce writing concepts and processes:
- Visual: Use graphic organizers to help students plan and organize their essays visually. Tools like mind maps and flow charts can illustrate essay structure.
- Auditory: Encourage students to verbalize their ideas and outlines. Reading essays aloud or discussing their content can help clarify thoughts and improve writing.
- Kinesthetic: Incorporate hands-on activities, such as using physical index cards for brainstorming or drafting, or writing out essay components on large sheets of paper.
2. Structured, Sequential Instruction
Breaking down the essay-writing process into clear, manageable steps:
- Pre-Writing: Teach students how to brainstorm, research, and outline their ideas. Focus on developing a thesis statement and organizing main points.
- Drafting: Guide students through writing their introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Emphasize the importance of topic sentences and cohesive paragraphs.
- Revising: Show how to review and revise drafts for clarity, coherence, and correctness. Teach specific strategies for improving content and structure.
- Editing: Focus on proofreading for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
3. Explicit Instruction
Providing clear, detailed instruction on each component of essay writing:
- Thesis Development: Explain how to craft a strong thesis statement and its role in guiding the essay.
- Paragraph Structure: Teach the elements of a well-structured paragraph, including topic sentences, supporting details, and transitions.
- Transition Usage: Explain how to use transitional phrases and sentences to ensure smooth flow between paragraphs and ideas.
4. Individualized Approach
Tailored instruction to meet the needs of individual students:
- Personalized Feedback: Provide specific, constructive feedback on each student’s writing, focusing on their unique strengths and areas for improvement.
- Flexible Pacing: Adjust the pace of instruction based on each student’s progress and comprehension, ensuring they master each stage before moving on.
5. Reinforcement and Review
Reinforcing and reviewing key writing concepts regularly:
- Practice Exercises: Offer varied writing prompts and practice assignments to reinforce skills.
- Review Sessions: Schedule regular review sessions to revisit key concepts and techniques, helping students internalize the writing process.
6. Building Conceptual Understanding
Focusing on the development of a deep understanding of writing principles:
- Essay Types: Introduce different types of essays (e.g., persuasive, descriptive, expository) and their unique structures and purposes.
- Critical Thinking: Encourage students to develop and articulate their ideas clearly, supporting arguments with evidence and reasoning.
By applying Orton-Gillingham’s principles to essay writing, I provide a comprehensive, supportive framework that helps students develop their writing skills in a structured, engaging way. This approach ensures that students build a strong foundation in essay writing through clear instruction, multi-sensory engagement, and individualized support.
Success leads to success.
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