All You Need to Know About Orton-Gillingham Training

Orton-Gillingham (OG) is a well-known and highly respected approach to teaching reading and writing to students with dyslexia. This structured literacy method breaks down reading and spelling into smaller, more manageable skills based on letters and sounds, and then builds upon those skills over time. OG has been extensively researched and is considered a highly effective intervention for dyslexia.

If you’re considering pursuing Orton-Gillingham training, there are a few things you sould know. First and foremost, completing an Orton-Gillingham training program is not an easy undertaking. It requires a significant investment of time and effort on your part, but the rewards can be well worth it.

Most comprehensive Orton-Gillingham training programs will take between 30 and 40 hours to complete. This coursework will cover a wide range of topics, including phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. You will learn how to assess and diagnose dyslexia, as well as how to develop individualized lesson plans to meet the unique needs of each student.

It’s important to note that Orton-Gillingham training is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, it emphasizes individualized, structured learning that is tailored to each student’s specific needs. As a result, the program is highly customizable and can be adapted to fit a variety of teaching contexts.

One of the key strengths of Orton-Gillingham is its emphasis on multisensory instruction. This means that students are taught using a variety of senses, including sight, sound, touch, and movement. This approach can be particularly helpful for students with dyslexia, who may struggle with traditional teaching methods that rely primarily on visual or auditory input.

Orton-Gillingham training can be a challenging but rewarding experience for educators who are committed to helping students with dyslexia succeed. By learning the principles and techniques of this structured literacy approach, you can make a real difference in the lives of your students and help them unlock their full potential.

All You Need to Know About Orton-Gillingham Training

The Benefits of Orton-Gillingham Training

Orton-Gillingham training is a highly regarded approach in the field of dyslexia intervention, and it has been extensively researched and found to be effective for students with dyslexia. The Orton-Gillingham approach is a structured, multisensory, individualized method of teaching reading, writing, and spelling that is designed to help individuals with dyslexia overcome thir difficulties with language. The approach is highly systematic and uses a variety of techniques, including phonics, decoding, and encoding, to help students learn to read and write.

While Orton-Gillingham training may require a significant investment of time and resources, it can be highly beneficial for individuals with dyslexia. The training is typically conducted by certified Orton-Gillingham trainers and involves extensive coursework, supervised practice, and ongoing support. As a result, individuals who complete the training are equipped with a thorough understanding of the Orton-Gillingham approach and are able to use it effectively in their work with students.

The value of Orton-Gillingham training depends on the individual’s goals and needs. For individuals who work with students with dyslexia or who have a personal interest in the field, Orton-Gillingham training can be a highly valuable investment that can lead to improved outcomes for students. However, for individuals who are not involved in education or who do not have a specific interest in dyslexia intervention, the investment may not be as worthwhile.

Completion Time for Orton-Gillingham

Orton-Gillingham is an evidence-based approach to teaching reading, writing, and spelling to individuals with dyslexia or other language-based learning disabilities. The length of time it takes to complete this program can vary depending on a few factors, such as the individual’s age, learning style, and the intensity of the program. Generally, Orton-Gillingham involves a multi-sensory, structured, and sequential approach to teaching language skills, whih can take anywhere from 50-100 hours to complete. This includes instructional time, practice sessions, and assessments. However, it’s important to note that Orton-Gillingham is not a one-size-fits-all program, and some individuals may require additional time or support to achieve their learning goals. Ultimately, the duration of Orton-Gillingham will depend on the individual’s unique needs and the pace at which they are able to progress through the program.

The Difficulty of Orton-Gillingham Training

The Orton-Gillingham training program is known for beng a challenging and intensive process. It is not an easy undertaking and requires a significant amount of time and dedication. The program typically consists of a series of courses that cover a range of topics related to language development, phonetics, and reading instruction. Completing the program can take several months or even years, depending on the pace of the student. Additionally, students are usually required to complete a practicum where they work directly with students to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting. This practicum can be challenging as it requires students to adapt to the needs and abilities of individual learners. However, despite the difficulty of the program, many educators find it to be highly rewarding and worthwhile, as it equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to help struggling readers succeed.

The Orton-Gillingham Method: An Overview

The Orton-Gillingham method is a structured literacy approach that is designed to help individuals with reading difficulties. It was developed in the early 20th century by Dr. Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham. The fundamental idea beind the method is to break down the process of reading and spelling into smaller skills involving letters and sounds. The approach is highly structured, multisensory, and sequential, meaning that it teaches skills in a specific order and uses multiple senses to reinforce learning. The Orton-Gillingham method is often used to help individuals with dyslexia, as it can be highly effective in teaching them how to read and write. the method aims to build a strong foundation of phonemic awareness, phonics, and language skills, which can then be built upon over time.

Understanding the Levels of Orton-Gillingham

The Orton-Gillingham approach has four levels that represent a continuum of increasing training, experience, and professional competency. Each level builds upon the previous one, and they are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Orton-Gillingham approach to teaching reading, writing, and spelling. The four levels are:

1. Introductory Level: This level provides an overview of the Orton-Gillingham approach and is suitable for educators who are new to this method. It covers the basic principles, strategies, and techniques used by Orton-Gillingham practitioners.

2. Associate Level: This level is designed for educators who have completed the introductory level and want to deepen their knowledge and skills. It covers more advanced topics, such as multisensory instruction, phonology, morphology, and syntax.

3. Certified Level: This level is for educators who have completed the associate level and want to become certified Orton-Gillingham practitioners. It requires a higher level of proficiency and includes supervised practicum hours, case studies, and assessments.

4. Fellow Level: This level is the highest level of certification and is reserved for experienced Orton-Gillingham practitioners who have demonstrated a high level of professional competency. It requires additional advanced coursework, research, and publication in the field of dyslexia and relaed learning differences.

Ideal Length of an OG Lesson

An OG lesson typically lasts between 45 and 60 minutes, and includes a variety of activities and exercises that are tailored to the individual needs of the student. However, the length of the lesson can vary depending on factors such as the age of the student, their attention span, and their specific learning needs. It is important to note that whle a longer lesson may provide more opportunities for learning, it is also important to consider the student’s fatigue levels and ability to maintain focus. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the lesson within a reasonable time frame, usually no more than 90 minutes, to ensure maximum effectiveness and engagement.

The Grade Level of Orton-Gillingham

Orton-Gillingham is a multi-sensory approach to teaching reading, writing, and spelling that can be used in various grade levels. However, this particular course is designed for classroom teachers in third grade and up. The course aims to equip participants with a basic understanding of the Orton-Gillingham Approach and how to design integrated reading and spelling lessons that cater to the needs of their students. While Orton-Gillingham can be used in any grade level, this specific course is tailored for teachers working with students in third grade and beyond.

Can Online Learning Provide an Effective Orton-Gillingham Education?

Orton-Gillingham can be taught online. With the use of varios online tools and platforms, tutors and teachers can deliver effective Orton-Gillingham lesson plans virtually. These online tools may include video conferencing software, screen sharing options, and virtual whiteboards. Additionally, Orton-Gillingham based programs may also have their own online platforms or resources that tutors can use to supplement their lessons. While teaching online may require some adaptation and flexibility, it is possible to maintain the core principles and strategies of the Orton-Gillingham approach in a virtual setting. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of online Orton-Gillingham instruction may vary depending on the individual needs and learning styles of each student, as well as the quality of the technology and internet connection being used.

Becoming an OG

To become an Orton-Gillingham (OG) certified individual, you must meet certain requirements. Firstly, you must have a Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, you must complete OG coursework totaling a minimum of 100 hours. This coursework must be completed through an OG training program that is accredited by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA).

In addition to coursework, you must also have OG-supervised practicum experience. This involves teaching one-to-one using the OG approach for a minimum of 100 hours over a period of at least two years. This practicum experience is designed to proide you with hands-on training and the opportunity to apply what you have learned in the coursework.

Once you have completed the required coursework and practicum experience, you can apply for OG certification. The certification process involves submitting an application, providing documentation of your education and experience, and passing a certification exam. The exam is designed to assess your knowledge of the OG approach and your ability to apply it in a teaching setting.

Becoming an OG certified individual requires a significant time commitment and dedication to the OG approach. However, the certification process is designed to ensure that those who are certified are well-trained and competent in using the OG approach to help students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.

Does Orton-Gillingham Have a Curriculum?

Actually, Orton-Gillingham (OG) is not a curriculum but rather an educational approach for teaching the structure and code of the English language. It is a multi-sensory, sequential, and explicit approach that is designed to help students with language-based learning difficulties, particularly those with dyslexia. OG does not provide a specific set of lessons or materials but rather a framework that can be adapted to meet the needs of individual students. Educators who use the OG approach typically develop ther own curriculum or use existing resources that are aligned with the OG principles. The OG approach emphasizes systematic and explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. It is a highly structured and individualized approach that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each student.

The Scientific Evidence Behind Orton-Gillingham

Orton-Gillingham is scientifically proven. This reading approach is based on decades of research and has been shown to be effective in helping students with reading difficulties, including dyslexia. In fact, the Orton-Gillingham approach is based on the principles of neuroscience and cognitive psychology, which have been extensively studied and validated through scientific research. Additionally, many studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of Orton-Gillingham, and the results consistently show positive outcomes for students. Therefore, if you are looking for a science-based reading instruction, Orton-Gillingham is a great option to consider.

Does Orton-Gillingham Work For All Learners?

The Orton-Gillingham approach was initially designed to assist learners with dyslexia, but many educators now believe that it can be helpful for all students. This approach focuses on teaching the fundamental structure of language, including phonemes, graphemes, syntax, and morphology. By directly teaching these language components, learners can better understand how words are formed and how they are used in communication. Additionally, Orton-Gillingham is a multi-sensory approach, whch means that it engages multiple senses, including sight, hearing, and touch, to reinforce learning. While Orton-Gillingham may not be the best approach for every student, it has been shown to be effective for many learners who struggle with reading, writing, and language. Ultimately, the effectiveness of this approach will depend on the individual learner and their specific needs.

The Cost of Orton-Gillingham

The Orton-Gillingham Introduction course is currently being offered for free to anyone interested in taking it. This is part of the organization’s efforts to support community outreach and to provide access to Structured Literacy Programs for children who need them. The course provides a comprehensive introduction to the Orton-Gillingham approach, which is a research-based method for teaching reading, writing, and spelling to individuals with dyslexia and other language-based learning difficulties. So, if you are interested in learning more about this effective approach or want to enhance your teaching skills, you can take advantage of this opportunity at no cost.

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The Role of an Orton-Gillingham Teacher

An Orton-Gillingham teacher is trained to use a multi-sensory approach to teaching reading, writing, and spelling to students. This approach combines sight, hearing, touch, and movement to help students understand the relationship between letters, sounds, and words. Orton-Gillingham teachers use specific techniques to teach phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, and encoding skills. These techniques involve breaking words down into smaller parts, teaching rules for spelling and pronunciation, and practicing reading and writing in a structured and sequential manner. Orton-Gillingham teachers also povide individualized instruction to meet the unique needs of each student and use continuous assessment to monitor progress and adjust instruction as needed. an Orton-Gillingham teacher is dedicated to helping students become confident and skilled readers, writers, and spellers by providing effective and engaging instruction that is tailored to their individual needs.

Conclusion

Orton-Gillingham training is a comprehensive and structured approach to teaching literacy skills to individuals, particularly those with dyslexia. It emphasizes the individualized needs of each learner and breaks down reading and spelling into smaller skills that are built upon over time. While completing an Orton-Gillingham training program can be a lengthy and challenging process, the benefits it provides for learners with dyslexia are well worth the effort. With its emphasis on structured learning and individualized instruction, Orton-Gillingham has proven to be an effective intervention for those struggling with literacy skills.

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Nancy Sherman

Nancy Sherman has more than a decade of experience in education and is passionate about helping schools, teachers, and students succeed. She began her career as a Teaching Fellow in NY where she worked with educators to develop their instructional practice. Since then she held diverse roles in the field including Educational Researcher, Academic Director for a non-profit foundation, Curriculum Expert and Coach, while also serving on boards of directors for multiple organizations. She is trained in Project-Based Learning, Capstone Design (PBL), Competency-Based Evaluation (CBE) and Social Emotional Learning Development (SELD).