The Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach is a long-running, evidence-based methodology focusing on individualized instruction and sequential skill development. It uses multisensory instruction in an emotionally supportive environment, explicitly teaching the connections between sounds and letters. At MindPlay, we have been integrating this powerful approach into our program for over 40 years, using it to gain rapid reading growth for students performing below grade level and needing reading intervention.
The History of the Orton-Gillingham Approach
As you may guess, the Orton-Gillingham approach was invented by two people: Dr. Samuel T. Orton, a neurologist, and Anna Gillingham, an educator and psychologist. This method combines Orton’s research into the neurological roots of reading difficulties with Gillingham’s expertise in education. Together, they developed a structured, multisensory approach to teaching reading that has stood the test of time.
Initially designed to support students with dyslexia, the Orton-Gillingham approach has since gained recognition for its broad applicability across diverse student populations. At MindPlay, the reason we use it is simple – it works.
The Philosophy Behind Orton-Gillingham
At the heart of the approach, the Orton-Gillingham methodology is built on the following principles:
- Multisensory Instruction: By engaging multiple senses—sight, sound, touch, and movement—memory, learning, and interest are improved.
- Structured and Sequential: By following a clear progression, starting with foundational skills and gradually building complexity, students establish a strong foundation with ample practice. (International Dyslexia Association, 2024)
- Explicit and Direct: Training educators to effectively provide clear, unambiguous instruction offers actionable insight informed by science, not guesswork.
- Diagnostic and Prescriptive: Continuously assessing student progress and adjusting instruction to meet individual needs allows time to be spent where it is most needed.
- Emotionally Supportive: Creating a positive, encouraging environment fosters student confidence, resilience, and an openness to learning.
How MindPlay Reading Studio Leverages Orton-Gillingham
MindPlay Reading Studio is closely aligned with the principles of the Orton-Gillingham approach, incorporating its methodology to deliver systematic, explicit, and personalized reading instruction tailored to each student’s needs. Here’s how:
Multisensory Learning:
- Students engage with certified, on-screen speech-language pathologists who model phonemic and phonological skills through a combination of audio, visual aids, and kinesthetic cues for a fully immersive learning experience.
- Support Sheets for teacher-led small group instruction are provided to engage learners across multiple modalities and reinforce their understanding of letter-sound relationships.
Structured and Sequential Curriculum:
- MindPlay Reading Studio guides students through an individualized pathway determined by their needs—starting with phonics and phonemic awareness, where needed, and progressing to advanced decoding and comprehension skills.
- The program ensures mastery at each stage before advancing, incorporating frequent, targeted practice to give students the repetition they need to succeed.
Personalized Instruction:
- Our adaptive technology and regular progress monitoring pinpoint each student’s unique needs, delivering personalized instruction tailored to their learning journey.
- With MindPlay, no two students are the same, nor are their pathways to success.
Explicit Teaching of Language Structure:
- MindPlay Reading Studio explicitly teaches the structure of the English language, from phonology to morphology and syntax, empowering effective communication, language learning, and literacy development.
Positive Reinforcement:
- Students feel good about their growth because of the supportive coaches, earned badges, and rapid reading progress. MindPlay celebrates student achievements and makes it easy for educators to do the same, building confidence and motivation.
- After every response, the on-screen coach provides encouraging, specific feedback, making each child’s learning experience truly personalized. Offering precise feedback on incorrect answers is especially impactful, as it taps into the brain’s readiness to learn and grow.
How do we implement multi-sensory learning through a computer screen?
Audio is seamlessly integrated with our Speech-Language Pathologists, who clearly and explicitly teach reading fundamentals. With thousands of hours of instruction and feedback, our coaches can address any learning need with clarity and precision. That is why we highly recommend using headphones with MindPlay.
We take great pride in our visuals. While many programs rely on cartoons or overly animated content, MindPlay focuses on providing effective instruction. Our on-screen coaches articulate every phoneme, model blending, and use visuals to demonstrate definitions and strategies, ensuring students have a comprehensive, multisensory learning experience.
Our research, as well as that of countless others, has demonstrated the power of kinesthetic learning in reading development. That’s why we incorporate interactive modules where students physically engage with the material—such as pushing up blocks or dragging letter cards into their correct positions to represent each phoneme. This hands-on approach reinforces learning and enhances retention.
And every lesson comes with supporting materials, student resources, and an assessment that teachers can print, ensuring that MindPlay’s support continues beyond the screen and into the classroom for continued reinforcement and practice.
Why Does It Work?
Simply put, The Orton-Gillingham approach addresses the root causes of reading difficulties.
It is often challenging for students with dyslexia to intuitively learn language rules (Shaywitz, 2020), so the systematic approach with ample feedback and multiple modalities gives these students the reinforcement and instruction they need. With a full class of students all reading at different levels, using technology to aid educators is the only way to give each learner immediate, specific feedback on every response they give.
References
- International Dyslexia Association. (2024). Perspectives on language and literacy: 75th anniversary issue (Vol. 50, No. 1). DyslexiaLibrary.org. https://dyslexialibrary.org/
- Shaywitz, S. E. (2020). Overcoming dyslexia: Second edition: A new and complete science-based program for reading problems at any level. Knopf.
- Orton-Gillingham: Orton-Gillingham and so much more. The Power of Orton-Gillingham. (2022, April 25). https://www.orton-gillingham.com/
