What is Orton-Gillingham?

Hi there! Grab your coffee (or tea — no judgment) because we’re going to chat about something that just might change everything for you or your child: OG.

Yep, I’m talking about Orton-Gillingham.

If you’re new to this, no worries — you’re not alone. When I first heard about OG, I thought it sounded like a fancy law firm. Spoiler: it’s not. It’s better. Orton-Gillingham is a powerful, proven way to teach reading, spelling, and writing, especially for kids with dyslexia or anyone who’s struggling with traditional reading methods.

So… What Actually Is OG?

Orton-Gillingham (OG for short) is a structured, step-by-step, multisensory approach to teaching reading, spelling, and writing.
In plain language? It means we don’t just talk about the rules of reading — we show kids how to feel it, see it, hear it, and practice it until it makes sense.

OG is personalized to each student. If your child needs to go slow with vowel sounds, we slow down. If they need to revisit something tricky, we go back and review.

And here’s the kicker: OG is designed specifically for the way the dyslexic brain works. But honestly? It helps all kids become better readers.

Why Is Everyone Talking About It?

Because it works.

Science backs it up. Teachers see real progress. Families — like yours — finally feel like someone’s turning on the light in a dark room.

I’ve seen OG transform lives. (Mine included! I’m dyslexic, and OG was a game-changer for me.)

It helps kids develop skills like:

• Phonemic awareness (hearing and manipulating sounds in words)
• Decoding (figuring out unfamiliar words)
• Spelling (yes, even spelling can become less of a battle!)
• Reading fluency and confidence (watching the lightbulb go on is priceless)

How Does It Work?

OG is:

• ✅ Explicit — We teach skills directly. No guessing games.
• ✅ Systematic — Lessons build from simple to complex, with a clear plan.
• ✅ Multisensory — Kids use their eyes, ears, hands, and voices together.
• ✅ Diagnostic and Prescriptive — We adjust based on what your child needs right now. It’s not a cookie-cutter approach.

Who Should Use OG?

• Children with dyslexia

• Struggling readers and spellers

• Students who aren’t making progress with typical classroom methods

• Honestly? Any child could benefit because OG teaches the why behind reading!

Action Steps for You 👣

If you’re curious about OG for your child (or your students), here’s what you can do today:

• Ask your child’s school if they offer OG-based instruction.

• Look for certified OG tutors or programs in your area.

• Learn a little more (you’re doing that right now — go you!)

• Bookmark this blog, because I’ll be sharing more about how OG works in real life.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a breath. You’re in the right place. I’m here to help!