The Orton-Gillingham Approach


The Orton-Gillingham Approach was created by Dr. Samuel Torrey Orton, Anna Gillingham and Bessie Stillman in the 1930’s to remediate the difficulties associated with dyslexia.

The Orton-Gillingham Approach teaches the structure of the English language to students of all ages, so that they can learn the code and how to read. What was once a seemingly arbitrary and confusing system becomes predictable and clear. The student is empowered by the knowledge gained. Through multisensory practice and systematic teaching our dyslexic learners unlock the power of print.

The Orton-Gillingham Approach uses a structured lesson plan involving all three senses: visual, auditory and kinesthetic/tactile.

The curriculum proceeds from the simple to the complex and from the predictable to the unpredictable.

Phonemic awareness, phonics, morphology, grammar, vocabulary and reading comprehension are all taught using a systematic, cumulative and sequential approach. Orton-Gillingham teachers design lesson plans based on careful observation and error analysis. Thus, instruction addresses specific difficulties and deficits unique to the students in the class as opposed to delivering a scripted “one size fits all” programme.

For further information about the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators visit www.ortonacademy.org

Orton-Gillingham: Practical Linguistics Therapy

 

Orton-Gillingham: Practical Linguistics Therapy is a methodology that teaches students to explore and think about the language they use. The student comes to understand that the language they need to read and write can be conquered. By revealing the underlying logical and linguistic patterns of English, the student learns to decipher the code. This therapeutic approach is suitable for all students of English: kindergarten, grade 1, ESL, ELL, and those with language-learning challenges.

A large variety of teaching methods are employed. Multisensory methods create neural networks linking three modalities: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Direct instruction delivers knowledge of spelling rules, the alphabet principle, morphology and phonics. Guided Discovery helps engage and motivate, and students learn to “own” the information and personalize their understanding.

The curriculum is:

  • Logical
  • Cumulative
  • Sequential
  • Therapeutic
  • Differentiated

O.G. Practical Linguistics Therapy provides a comprehensive understanding of the structure of the English language. The curriculum covers English orthography, phonology, spelling rules, sentence structure, syntax, vocabulary acquisition, passage comprehension, reading and writing fluency. The methodology addresses cognitive processes, including, auditory and visual discrimination, memory, and processing. Lesson plans are structured to incorporate occupational and eye tracking therapy where needed. This therapeutic linguistic approach may be applied in a classroom, small group or one-on-one setting.

O.G. Practical Linguistics is a comprehensive therapeutic model unsurpassed in the breadth and depth of its remedial reach.

Neil is a different boy from a year ago, not only because his reading is starting to come along, but because he is enjoying school and, once again, believes he can learn and succeed. Honestly, the Claremont School has been a god-send for Neil.

—Gail Armstrong, Toronto, ON

 

 

Our mission is to teach students with dyslexia, so that they may fulfill their considerable potential and gain the skills and self-confidence needed for academic success.

—Evelyn Reiss

 

A warm and exceptional teacher, Evelyn provided a wonderful overview of the Orton-Gillingham approach in her Associate Level course. I consider it a privilege to have been her student.

—Avital (Tali) Kellerstein, Speech-Language Pathologist, Toronto, ON

 

Claremont has given my child the best possible learning environment. His learning is tailored to his strengths and he feels positive about himself and his capabilities. The learning at Claremont is structured but also flexible, allowing for my child to succeed.

—Sarah Knox

 

My grade 4 daughter is finally being taught in a way that she can learn. The school has been a gift for us all. The daily routines, the structured approach to reading and writing learning, and the positive environment with other kids like her have all been wonderfully helpful. It is a world of difference for us this year from her prior public school that just (tragically) did not have the adequate supports for her kind of learning.

—Sarah Richardson

 

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Claremont School

70 Silver Birch Avenue
Toronto, ON  M4E 3K9
Phone: 416-778-6336