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ORTON-GILLINGHAM 12 PRINCIPLES

All trained O-G educators follow a set of principles whenever they plan and/or execute a lesson with a student.  These principles uphold the integrity of the approach.

The Orton-Gillingham Approach is renowned for its foundational principles: language-based, multisensory, structured, sequential, cumulative, cognitive, and flexible. These characteristics form the bedrock of our educational philosophy, guiding every aspect of our approach.

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At the core of everything we do lies a fundamental purpose: to empower students to become proficient readers, adept writers, and self-reliant learners. Whether it's mastering word recognition or crafting a poem, every lesson is meticulously designed to nurture these essential skills and foster independence.

Personalized

Teaching starts with understanding each learner's unique needs. While dyslexia presents common challenges, individual language needs vary. Additionally, many with dyslexia may also have conditions like ADD, ADHD, or anxiety, further complicating learning.

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1

Multisensory

Our approach engages all learning pathways: seeing, hearing, feeling, and motion, integrated by the thinking brain. Instructors use multisensory teaching to make content clear and accessible. By modeling this approach, we show students how to use these pathways for easier and more successful learning.

 

2

Diagnostic and Prescriptive

Our Orton-Gillingham lessons are tailored to each student. Instructors constantly observe how students respond verbally, nonverbally, and in writing to spot challenges and track progress. This insight shapes the next lesson, focusing on overcoming difficulties and building on improvements.

 

3

Direct Instruction

Our lessons are designed so students understand what they are learning, why it’s important, and how to learn it effectively.

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4

Systematic Phonics

Our approach emphasizes systematic phonics, focusing on the alphabetic principle during early reading stages. We leverage the inherent sound-symbol relationships in written language, helping students understand how spoken words translate into written form.

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5

Applied Linguistics

We use language science from basic decoding to advanced language skills, including understanding syllables, word parts, sentence structure, meaning, and grammar. Our approach involves students in activities that combine reading, spelling, and writing together.

 

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6

Linguistic Competence

We focus on language patterns for word order, sentence structure, and word meanings. Students also learn to recognize common literary forms used by writers, enhancing their language abilities.

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7

Systematic and Structured

Our teachers present information in an organized manner that shows how new material relates to what students have already learned. This logical approach to curriculum helps students understand and make progress more effectively.

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8

Sequential, Incremental, and Cumulative

Students advance gradually from simple, familiar material to increasingly complex content. They move through each step as they master different levels of language skills.

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9

Continuous Feedback and Positive Reinforcement

Our approach fosters a strong bond between teacher and student, leading to increased self-confidence through successful learning experiences​

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10

Cognitive Approach

Students grasp the reasons behind their learning and the strategies they use. Confidence builds as they learn to apply new knowledge and skills in reading, spelling, and writing.

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11

Emotionally Sound

We prioritize students' feelings about themselves and their learning journey. Our teaching is focused on fostering success, which leads to enhanced self-confidence and motivation.

 

 

 

 

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