Beyond Orton-Gillingham – Personalized Learning for Your Child

When children with learning differences like dyslexia need help developing literacy skills, Orton-Gillingham (OG) is highly recommended. Orton-Gillingham is widely recognized and valued as a multi-sensory, structured literacy program. While OG has its merits, one program does not suit all students.

At LDS, we believe in embracing a range of structured literacy approaches to create a program tailored to each child’s unique strengths and needs.  

Why Structured Literacy is Key  

Structured literacy is a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for teaching reading that emphasizes explicit, systematic, and sequential instruction (Moats, 2020). It includes six core components: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing. Structured literacy addresses how children learn to read by focusing on these critical elements in a way that is accessible and adaptable for diverse learners. The Orton-Gillingham approach aligns with structured literacy principles but is just one of many methods. (Think about the brand Kleenex. You can find excellent tissue that does not have this brand name. Orton-Gillingham has become a brand like Kleenex. It is not the best option for every learner.   

Orton-Gillingham: One Approach Among Many  

Educational psychologists and school teams often recommend the OG approach due to its multi-sensory techniques and structured format (Henry, 2010). However, OG is not the only effective method for teaching reading. Structured literacy encompasses multiple approaches, each offering tools and techniques to benefit students with different learning styles and needs. For instance, the Wilson Reading System, Lindamood-Bell, and Structured Word Inquiry are other structured literacy programs with strong evidence supporting their effectiveness.  

At LDS, our instructors are trained in various structured literacy methodologies. This training allows us to adapt and integrate multiple approaches to match each student’s unique learning profile rather than relying solely on a single program.  

Personalized Learning  

In our RISE One-to-One program, we develop personalized intervention strategies for each child. These flexible learning plans allow our instructors to incorporate methods and materials from different structured literacy approaches, including OG, if appropriate, to support each student’s literacy journey best. Our instructors leverage each learner’s strengths and individual learning styles, ensuring they receive a program that is as unique as they are. By tailoring instruction to the student, we can adapt teaching techniques, pace, and materials to make learning effective and engaging. Some students, for example, might benefit from more visual aids, while others may thrive with auditory or kinesthetic elements. We select strategies based on what resonates with each child, fostering a learning environment that values their unique strengths.  

Why Flexibility is Crucial  

A flexible, comprehensive approach to reading instruction is essential for students with learning differences. Relying exclusively on a single program can sometimes limit a child’s progress if that approach doesn’t align with their needs. As highlighted in recent research, effective intervention must be adaptable, drawing from various evidence-based practices rather than adhering rigidly to one (Seidenberg, 2017).  

Moving beyond a single-method focus, we create a more inclusive and effective learning experience that aligns with the science of reading and supports a wide range of learning preferences.  

Finding the Right Fit for Your Child  

Choosing the right program for your child can be challenging. Our goal is to provide a supportive, well-rounded approach to literacy that is structured and responsive to each learner’s needs. We encourage parents to reach out and discuss their child’s specific learning style and goals with us. Our team is here to help create an individualized path to literacy success that goes beyond any one program.  

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or to learn more about how our personalized approach can benefit your child. 

References

• Henry, M. K. (2010). Unlocking Literacy: Effective Decoding & Spelling Instruction. Paul H. Brookes Publishing. 
• Moats, L. C. (2020). Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers. Brookes Publishing. 
• Seidenberg, M. S. (2017). Language at the Speed of Sight: How We Read, Why So Many Can’t, and What Can Be Done About It. Basic Books. 

– Sofia Lopez Nakashima, Senior Manager, Assessments

LDS is a community of dedicated professionals who write collaboratively. We recognize the contribution of unnamed team members for their wisdom and input.