We here at Chicago Home Tutor specialize in matching students with Orton-Gillingham tutors.  Many people who seek us out are considering starting Orton-Gillingham instruction for the first time, so we wanted to create a resource with some of the most common questions we received about Orton-Gillingham instruction.

What is Orton-Gillingham? 

Orton- Gillingham is a structured program used to teach students literacy skills. It teaches students the connection between letters and sounds in an explicit and systematic way. It was the first multisensory reading program, meaning it incorporates touch, sound, and movement.

Is Orton-Gillingham only for students with dyslexia?

Orton-Gillingham is often recommended for students with learning disabilities in reading like dyslexia. Though it was originally designed for students with challenges in reading, it can be beneficial for anyone learning to read. The Institute for Multisensory Education (IMSE) says that, “While Orton-Gillingham has long been associated with dyslexia, IMSE has spent the last 30 years advocating for the Orton-Gillingham method in every classroom. Orton-Gillingham is a research-based, scientific approach to reading and writing instruction.”

Where did the name Orton-Gillingham come from?

This long and unusual name comes from the two creators of Orton-Gillingham. It was created by Samuel Orton, neuropsychiatrist and Anna Gillingham, educator and psychologist in the 1930s.

What does a typical Orton-Gillingham lesson look like?

One of the great things about Orton-Gillingham lessons is that they are flexible and built around the student. That means that no two Orton-Gillingham lessons are the same! Orton tutors design and pace the lessons around the individual student and their learning needs. Examples of multisensory tools that may be utilized during a lesson are sandpaper, sand trays, shaving cream, and pipe cleaners. 

How often should my child have Orton-Gillingham tutoring? How long will it take to make progress?

Susan Barton, developer of Barton Reading Systems (an Orton-based program), says “It will take from 18 to 36 months of twice-a-week, one-on-one Orton-Gillingham- based tutoring in Chicago to bring your child’s reading, spelling, and writing skills up to grade level.”

We know that no two children will respond the same to any type of instruction, so what your child needs will depend on any number of factors including starting level, frequency of instruction, outside factors (like what’s happening at school), and countless others. It’s important to emphasize that change won’t happen overnight. Improving reading skills through Orton-Gillingham instruction will take frequent, consistent practice over at least a year.

What age students benefit from having an Orton-Gillingham tutor?

According to the Orton-Gillingham Academy, Orton is for any students aged Pre-K to adult. 

The best time to get your child extra help with reading is as soon as you see them starting to struggle. Some indications of reading challenges may be:

• below average reading assessment scores at school

• negative self-talk about reading (“I’m bad at reading.” or “I don’t want to read!”)

• teachers indicating concerns with reading skills

Repeated research shows that prevention and early intervention are much more effective than waiting to get support!

How is Orton-Gillingham different from the Wilson Reading system?

Wilson and Orton-Gillingham are both multisensory reading programs. The Wilson Reading system is highly structured. When it’s implemented as intended, there is little flexibility in the progression or sequence of instruction through the Wilson books.

Orton-Gillingham, on the other hand, is designed to be modified around the student’s needs. Also, the Wilson Reading System is designed for students in grades 2nd-12th, so it would not be the right fit for younger students.

About the author:

Laura Reber is a school psychologist and founder of Chicago Home Tutor. Chicago Home Tutor has helped hundreds of students turn learning challenges into life-changing achievements.