Dyslexia affects how the brain interprets words, which makes reading challenging. Phonemic awareness, or the capacity to recognize and manipulate specific sounds within words, is challenging for children with dyslexia. With the right help, dyslexic children can achieve academic success and enhance their confidence.
Orton Gillingham Approach
The Orton Gillingham approach is a structured, multisensory, and customized method for teaching reading, writing, and spelling to dyslexic children. Here are the key principles of Orton Gillingham tutoring:
Multisensory Learning
Orton Gillingham tutoring involves engaging various senses, including visual, sound, touch, and kinesthetic awareness. This approach acknowledges that dyslexic children typically achieve optimal learning outcomes when they have the opportunity to observe, listen, and feel the concepts being instructed.
Structured and Sequential
The Orton Gillingham method follows a carefully structured and sequential curriculum. It starts with teaching the most basic language elements and progresses systematically to more complex concepts.
Customized Learning
Orton Gillingham tutoring is tailored to the specific needs of each dyslexic learner. Tutors assess the child’s strengths and weaknesses and create a personalized learning plan.
Systematic Approach
The Orton Gillingham approach is explicit and systematic in teaching phonemic awareness, spelling rules, and reading comprehension. Each skill is mastered before going on to the next.
Continuous Assessment
Ongoing assessment ensures that the child is making progress. If a concept is not mastered, the tutor revisits it until the child has a solid understanding.
An Orton Gillingham tutor is a specially trained professional who guides dyslexic children through the structured Orton Gillingham curriculum. Professional Orton Gillingham tutors are patient, understanding, and equipped with the knowledge and techniques required to help dyslexic children succeed. They engage in one-on-one sessions with the dyslexic child, providing focused attention and assistance. Here are some of the benefits of Orton Gillingham tutoring for dyslexic children:
Improved Reading Skills
Dyslexic children often experience significant improvements in reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension through Orton Gillingham tutoring.
Enhanced Spelling and Writing Skills
The structured approach of Orton Gillingham helps dyslexic learners become more confident spellers and writers.
Enhanced Confidence
As children experience success and mastery of skills, their self-esteem and confidence grow.
Individualized Support
Orton Gillingham tutoring recognizes that every dyslexic child is unique. The individualized approach ensures that each child’s specific needs are addressed.
Long-lasting Results
The skills acquired through Orton Gillingham tutoring stay with dyslexic children throughout their academic journey and beyond.
Increased Independence
Dyslexic children learn strategies to become more independent readers and writers.
Early intervention is important for dyslexic children. Identifying dyslexia and providing Orton Gillingham tutoring in the early years can significantly mitigate the challenges and help children develop strong literacy skills. However, it is never too late to benefit from Orton Gillingham tutoring, and many older children and even adults find success with this approach.
Orton Gillingham and School
Many children with dyslexia receive Orton Gillingham tutoring outside of their school hours. However, some educational institutions have recognized the exceptional benefits of the Orton Gillingham approach and included it in their curriculum. To ensure that the right help is provided, it is important for parents to communicate with their dyslexic child’s school.
Getting Started with Orton Gillingham Tutoring
If you believe your child may benefit from Orton Gillingham’s approach, the first step is to find an experienced Orton Gillingham tutor. Look for professionals who are certified in the Orton Gillingham approach and have experience working with dyslexic learners.
Orton Gillingham tutoring extends beyond immediate challenges; its purpose is to equip dyslexic children with the essential tools for becoming confident, capable readers, writers, and learners. As they progress through the Orton Gillingham curriculum, children build a strong foundation in language skills that will benefit them in both their academic and personal lives.
It is important to recognize that dyslexic children are not limited by their condition. With the right guidance and intervention, they can achieve remarkable success. Orton Gillingham tutoring is a testament to the power of personalized, research-based approaches to helping dyslexic children reach their full potential.
If you find that your child may have dyslexia or is experiencing difficulties in reading and writing, Orton Gillingham tutoring can prove invaluable on their educational journey.
Final thoughts
Orton Gillingham tutoring provides personalized and effective support for dyslexic children. By addressing the root challenges of dyslexia and teaching essential literacy skills in a multisensory and structured manner, this approach empowers dyslexic children to unlock their full potential. If your child is struggling with reading and writing, consider exploring Orton Gillingham tutoring as a valuable resource on their educational journey.