Understanding the Multisensory Approach of Orton-Gillingham Instruction

ericamagnotta
Oct 3
3 min read

The Orton-Gillingham approach is a well-established method for teaching individuals with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. What sets it apart is its reliance on multisensory techniques that engage various senses to improve learning and retention. In this blog post, we will examine how the Orton-Gillingham method incorporates these multisensory elements and the significant benefits it offers to learners.

What is Multisensory Instruction?

Multisensory instruction uses multiple senses to make learning more effective. This approach acknowledges that different individuals learn in different ways, and by engaging multiple senses, we can enhance understanding and memory. In the context of Orton-Gillingham, this means weaving together visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile elements into each lesson.

The Components of Orton-Gillingham Instruction

Orton-Gillingham is structured around several key components that contribute to its multisensory nature. Here are the foundational elements:

Phonology: This involves understanding the sounds of language. For example, students might practice identifying the /b/ sound in "bat," "ball," and "bubble," helping them recognize and manipulate sounds in words.
Sound-Symbol Association: Students learn the relationship between sounds and letters. For example, recognizing that the letter "b" represents the /b/ sound allows learners to decode new words more effectively.
Syllable Instruction: Understanding how to break words into syllables is vital for reading. For instance, students learn to divide the word "banana" into three syllables: ba-na-na, which helps them read more fluently.
Morphology: This focuses on the structure of words. Teaching prefixes like "un-" (as in "unhappy") and suffixes like "-ing" (as in "running") helps expand vocabulary and comprehension.
Syntax: Syntax includes the rules for sentence structure. For example, students learn how to form sentences like "The dog runs" to enhance their grammar and writing abilities.
Semantics: This involves understanding word meanings. Through exercises that explore synonyms and antonyms, such as identifying that "happy" is similar to "joyful," students deepen their grasp of language nuances.

Engaging Multiple Senses

The true strength of Orton-Gillingham lies in its capacity to engage multiple senses at once. Here’s how each sense plays a role:

Visual Learning

Visual tools like charts, flashcards, and color-coded materials help reinforce learning. For example, students might use colored letters to signify different vowel sounds, visually connecting sounds to their corresponding letters.

Auditory Learning

Students engage with auditory elements through speaking and listening activities. They might practice phonemes aloud while listening to the instructor pronounce words, or they may participate in rhyming games to solidify their understanding of sounds.

Kinesthetic-Tactile Learning

Kinesthetic-tactile activities provide hands-on experiences. For example, students can trace sandpaper letters or write words in the air with their fingers, engaging their sense of touch and movement to make learning more dynamic and memorable.

The Benefits of a Multisensory Approach

Orton-Gillingham’s multisensory approach offers several advantages for learners, especially those with dyslexia:

Enhanced Retention: Research shows that learners retain 60% more information when multiple senses are engaged. This makes crucial information easier to remember.
Improved Engagement: Activities that stimulate various senses are often more engaging than traditional methods. This leads to higher motivation and interest in learning, ensuring that students stay focused longer.
Tailored Learning: Each student has unique learning preferences. By blending different sensory modalities, instruction can be customized to meet each student's specific needs.
Increased Confidence: As students successfully engage with multisensory activities, their confidence grows. This encouragement leads them to take risks and actively participate in their education.

Final Thoughts

The Orton-Gillingham approach is a powerful instructional method for individuals with dyslexia, largely due to its multisensory nature. By actively engaging visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile senses, this approach enhances learning and fosters a deeper understanding of language. As educators and parents appreciate the value of multisensory instruction, they can better assist students in overcoming reading difficulties and achieving academic success.