Orton Gillingham Tutors in Chicago & the Suburbs
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Learning to read is one of the most critical and life-changing skills a child will ever develop. Reading fluently—being able to read smoothly and effortlessly—is more than just a classroom milestone; it’s the gateway to success in every academic subject. Whether it’s decoding tricky math word problems, understanding science experiments, or following directions in a social studies project, strong reading skills are at the heart of school achievement. But reading reaches far beyond the walls of the classroom. It’s a daily necessity in the real world: we read instructions to assemble furniture, follow a recipe in the kitchen, scan rules for a new board game, or figure out how to use a new app. When children become confident readers, they don’t just gain a skill—they gain independence, curiosity, and the ability to learn about anything that sparks their interest.
If your child struggles with sounding out words, remembering sight words, or reading smoothly, they’re not alone. The Orton-Gillingham method is a proven, multisensory approach that has helped children for decades. Using the Orton Gillingham approach, a highly-trained Orton Gillingham tutor can break down reading into clear, manageable steps. Below you’ll learn more about the Orton-Gillingham approach and why an Orton Gillingham reading program may be a good fit to help your child learn to read.
Why Do Some Children Struggle to Learn to Read?
There are many reasons a child may struggle with reading, and it’s not always easy to pinpoint just one.
For some children—about 5–15%—the challenge may be related to a learning disability, such as dyslexia. Having a learning disability simply means that their brains are wired a bit differently. It doesn’t mean anything is “wrong” with them; they may just need a different kind of support than their peers—something more personalized and structured.
Other children may face reading challenges related to attention, language, or social communication differences. For example, a child with ADHD might have trouble focusing during classroom reading lessons, making it harder to absorb phonics or comprehension strategies. A child on the autism spectrum might be able to decode words fluently but struggle to make sense of what they’ve read or connect it to broader ideas.
Importantly, reading difficulties aren’t always tied to a formal diagnosis. Some children may be challenged with learning to read due to anxiety, a lack of confidence, limited exposure, or even a mismatch between how they learn best and how reading is taught in school. Every child has a unique learning profile, and variation is completely normal.
Whatever the cause, the good news is that support is available. Structured, evidence-based methods like Orton-Gillingham can make a significant difference—especially when tailored to your child’s individual needs.
When Should I Seek Out an Orton Gillingham Tutor?
It’s not always easy to know when a reading struggle is just a passing phase or when it signals something more. Here are some signs that it might be time to take a closer look and consider seeking specialized help like Orton-Gillingham tutoring:
Struggles with Early Literacy Skills
Before kids learn to read words, they develop pre-literacy skills like recognizing letter names and sounds and phonemic awareness, or manipulating sounds in words. For example, a child with well-developed phonemic awareness skills should be able to break the word “bat” into its three sounds—/b/, /a/, /t/—and blend them together to say the word. If your child is having ongoing difficulty learning letter sounds, rhyming, or blending sounds despite practice, that’s a sign they may need extra support.
Avoidance, Frustration, or Low Confidence Around Reading
Emotional cues can say a lot. If your child generally enjoys schoolwork but becomes anxious, frustrated, or resistant when it's time to read, pay attention. Comments like “I’m just bad at reading,” “Reading is the worst,” or frequent avoidance of reading assignments may indicate deeper struggles and a drop in self-esteem related to reading.
Little Progress Despite Practice at Home
If you’ve been practicing sight words, reading books together, or using flashcards—and your child is struggling to retain what you’ve worked on—it could be a sign that they need a more specialized approach. Slow progress despite consistent effort is often a red flag that something more is going on.
Low Test Scores or Difficulty with School Assignments
Many schools conduct universal reading screeners two to three times a year using tools like DIBELS, aimsweb, or NWEA MAP. If your child’s scores consistently fall below the average range or show a downward trend over time, it’s worth paying attention. Difficulty with classroom reading assignments and tests are also strong indicators of a challenge.
Concerns from Your Child’s Teacher
Teachers see dozens of children each year and have a solid sense of what typical reading development looks like. If your child’s teacher expresses concern about their reading skill, it’s wise to take that seriously. They may be seeing patterns you’re not able to observe at home.
Your Child has been Diagnosed with Dyslexia or a Specific Learning Disability in Reading
If your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia—or if the school has identified a specific learning disability in reading—this is a clear sign that targeted, specialized support like Orton-Gillingham tutoring can make a real difference. “Dyslexia” is the medical term often used by clinicians, while schools typically refer to a “specific learning disability” in reading. Either way, this diagnosis means your child learns differently and will benefit from structured, evidence-based instruction tailored to their needs.
Research consistently shows that the earlier reading challenges are addressed, the better the outcomes. If you’re starting to notice signs of struggle, don’t wait—getting support early can make a big difference in your child’s confidence and long-term success.
What Is the Orton-Gillingham Approach—and How Does It Help?
The Orton-Gillingham approach was first developed in 1935 by Dr. Samuel Torrey Orton, a neuropsychiatrist and pioneer in the study of language-processing challenges like dyslexia, along with Anna Gillingham, an educator and psychologist.Their goal was to create a method that addressed the unique needs of children who struggled with traditional reading instruction.
At its core, Orton-Gillingham is a multisensory approach to reading. Unlike traditional methods that rely mostly on visual learning, the Orton Gillingham method integrates sight, sound, touch, and movement to reinforce each concept. During an Orton-Gillingham lesson, students might write letters in shaving cream, trace words in sand, or tap out syllables with their fingers—all designed to strengthen memory and understanding through multisensory experiences. This hands-on focus is a core tenet of the Orton Gillingham method.
The Orton-Gillingham curriculum is also highly structured and sequential. Instruction begins with the most basic building blocks of language, such as individual letter sounds, and moves forward step by step in a logical, cumulative way.
This methodical, engaging style of teaching often helps reading "click" for students who haven't responded well to more conventional approaches. By breaking learning down into manageable parts and teaching explicitly and intentionally, Orton-Gillingham builds both skill and confidence—making reading a more accessible and enjoyable experience for struggling learners.
Why Choose Chicago Home Tutor for Orton-Gillingham Tutoring?
If your child is struggling with reading and needs specialized support, finding the right kind of help can make all the difference. At Chicago Home Tutor, we specialize in working with students who learn differently, so working with one of our Orton-Gillingham tutors may be exactly what your child needs.
Our company was founded by a school psychologist with deep expertise in reading development and learning differences, and that foundation shapes everything we do. From the way we match students with tutors to how each session is designed, we prioritize individualized, research-based support. You'll be paired with an OG tutor who is not only trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach but also knows how to adapt instruction to meet your child's unique learning profile.
Our team includes special educators who are certified Learning Behavior Specialists in Illinois and have advanced training in structured literacy, including the Orton-Gillingham approach and other evidence-based reading interventions. Many of our tutors also have experience supporting students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning challenges—so they know how to make reading instruction both effective and engaging.
We take your trust seriously. Every tutor undergoes rigorous background checks, reference screenings, and in-depth interviews to ensure your child receives safe, high-quality support.
And the best part? Your search for “Orton Gillingham tutors near me” ends with us because we bring expert instructors directly to you. Whether you're in Lincoln Park, Hyde Park, Oak Park, the North Shore, or somewhere in between, we offer in-person sessions wherever it’s most convenient— your home, a local library, or another comfortable setting. We take the guesswork out of finding the right Orton-Gillingham tutor, so you can focus on helping your child grow into a confident, capable reader.
Answers to Your Top Questions About Orton-Gillingham Tutoring
When Should We Start Orton Gillingham Tutoring?
If your child is showing signs of difficulty with reading, the best time to begin support is now. Research consistently shows that early Orton Gillingham reading intervention leads to better long-term outcomes. Starting Orton-Gillingham tutoring early can prevent frustration from building and give your child the tools and confidence they need to become a successful, joyful reader.
How Often Should Orton-Gillingham Sessions Happen?
The ideal frequency depends on your child’s needs, learning goals, and your family’s schedule. We typically recommend starting two one-hour sessions per week to see steady progress. For students with significant reading delays or a diagnosis such as dyslexia, three sessions per week may be most effective at the outset. On the other hand, children needing lighter support may benefit from just one session per week. During your free consultation, we’ll help design a plan that fits your child’s learning profile and your family’s routine.
How Long Until We See Progress With Orton Gillingham Reading Program?
Progress varies by child, but many families report early signs of improvement—like increased confidence, greater willingness to read, or quicker recall of letter sounds—within the first several weeks. More substantial gains in fluency, decoding, and comprehension typically unfold over several months of consistent, high-quality instruction.
Who Are Your Orton Gillingham Tutors?
Our tutors are licensed educators, many with Master’s degrees and special education certifications. Each Orton-Gillingham tutor has advanced, specialized training in teaching reading using the Orton-Gillingham method.
With extensive classroom and one-on-one experience, they know how to meet struggling readers where they are—and help them thrive. Plus, since our tutors live and work in the Chicagoland area, they’re familiar with local school expectations and curricula.
Can you provide other types of tutoring?
Yes, we do. We can also help with math, writing, and executive functioning skills. Our tutors are experienced in addressing multiple areas of need and can tailor sessions to meet your child’s specific goals.
For example, a session might begin with Orton-Gillingham reading instruction and then shift to help with a writing assignment or math concept. If your child struggles with organization or time management, we can also incorporate executive functioning coaching to support homework completion and study habits. Sessions are flexible, personalized, and designed to meet your child where they are.
Is Orton-Gillingham a curriculum?
While people often search for an 'Orton Gillingham curriculum,' it's more accurate to describe Orton-Gillingham as a methodology or approach rather than a single, scripted program. An OG-certified tutor is trained in this method and will use a structured literacy curriculum based on its principles, tailored to your child's needs.
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