So what is the Orton-Gillingham approach?
“From the earliest time we find descriptions of various forms of the Kinesthetic Method”. Plato, 427-347 B.C., in his “Protagoras” describes the early stages of learning to write: “Where the boy is not yet clever in writing, the masters first draw lines, and then give him the tablet and make him write as the lines direct”. Horace, 65 B.C., suggested that children learn letters by using pieces of pastry made in the shape of letters. Seneca, 3 B.C – AD 65, suggested that the teacher guide the child’s fingers as they trace the letters written on a page.” Brickley, H. (1999) Dyslexia…Samuel T. Orton and His Legacy. Library of Congress Card #99-066944.
In 1924. Dr. Samuel Orton, M.D., a neuropathologist, was researching “Specific Reading Disability-Strephosymbolia”, which means twisted symbols. Orton suggested that visual impressions are received by both sides of the brain, but as mirror images and until one side of the brain establishes dominance, their would be uncertainty as to which side of the brain to follow. Orton emphasized the teaching of reading and writing should be broken down into the smallest units, with kinesthetic techniques to enforce this. He, and Anna Gillingham, a psychologist, created a method of starting with small units and then movement through simple to more complex steps.
Today, this approach is followed by Structured Literacy, a researched-based, framework that provides explicit, systematic, and cumulative instruction in the foundational skills necessary for literacy. The Wilson Reading Program is one of the most notable interventions that follows this blueprint for these standards. Wilson follows the evidence-based approach by including phonemic awareness, phonology, morphology and syntax and semantics in their lessons.
What? Let me break this down:
Phonemic Awareness:
The ability to understand and hear that a word is made up of a series of sounds.
Phonological Awareness:
The ability to recognize and manipulate the spoken parts of sentences and words.
Morphology:
Breaking down complex words into smaller, meaningful units. (Unhappy = un+happy)
Syntax:
The study and understanding of grammar — the system and arrangement of words, phrases, and clauses to form proper sentences.
Semantics:
Vocabulary or word meaning.
Essentially, Wilson begins with the sounds of letters and the identification of these sounds is practiced until mastered. From there, syllable types are studied, along with certain grammatical rules of the English language. Latin and Greek prefixes are examined as well. Comprehension, writing, spelling and fluency are all integrated into the program. The use of “finger-tapping” with sounds of letters and practice with “nonsense” words are key components of this program.
For more information on The Orton-Gillingham Method, check out these links:
https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/dyslexia/articles/orton-gillingham-what-you-need-know
