Teaching children how to read effectively is more critical than ever in a highly competitive world. One evidence-based approach that has gained recognition for its effectiveness in teaching reading and spelling is the Orton Gillingham method. This article will explore how Teaching Kids TO Read with Ortan Gillingham works.
What It Means
The Orton Gillingham approach is a structured, multi-sensory method designed to help children, especially those with dyslexia, learn to read and spell. It focuses on breaking down the English language into its fundamental components, such as sounds and letters, and then gradually building up the complexity of words and sentences.
The Importance of a Structured Approach
One of the key aspects of this approach is its structured nature. It provides a clear roadmap for teachers and students, ensuring that each step is mastered before moving on to the next. This structure helps children build a strong foundation in reading and spelling.
The Role of Multi-Sensory Learning
Another distinctive feature of this approach is its emphasis on multi-sensory learning. Children are encouraged to use multiple senses, such as hearing, seeing, and touching, to reinforce their language understanding. This hands-on approach can be especially beneficial for children with learning differences.
Benefits of Orton Gillingham
When it comes to teaching kids to read, the Orton Gillingham approach offers several advantages:
Individualized Learning: This method can be tailored to each child’s specific needs, ensuring that they receive personalized instruction.
Effective for Dyslexia: Orton Gillingham has been particularly effective in helping children with dyslexia overcome reading challenges.
Building Confidence: As children progress in their reading abilities, their confidence and self-esteem also grow.
Long-Term Success: The skills acquired through this approach can benefit children throughout their academic journey and beyond.
Enhanced Phonemic Awareness
The Orton Gillingham approach strongly emphasizes developing phonemic awareness in children. Phonemic awareness is recognising and manipulating individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken language. By honing this skill, children become more adept at decoding and encoding words, which is crucial for reading and spelling.
Flexible and Adaptable
One of the strengths of the Orton Gillingham approach is its flexibility. It can be customized to address each learner’s unique needs and challenges. Whether a child struggles with specific letter-sound associations or requires additional practice in a particular area, the approach can be tailored accordingly, making it a versatile tool for educators and tutors.
Positive Learning Environment
Orton Gillingham fosters a positive and supportive learning environment. It focuses on each student’s individual progress, celebrating small achievements along the way. This approach helps children build confidence in their abilities and encourages a love for reading, creating a foundation for a lifelong appreciation of literature.
Interactive and Engaging Activities
Orton Gillingham incorporates various interactive and engaging activities that make learning to read enjoyable for children. These activities can include word games, storytelling, and creative exercises that keep students actively participating in the learning process. By making reading fun, this approach helps children stay motivated and enthusiastic about improving their literacy skills.
Progress Monitoring and Adjustments
A crucial aspect of the Teaching Kids TO Read with Ortan Gillingham approach is its commitment to progress monitoring. Educators using this method regularly assess each student’s advancement in reading and spelling. If a child encounters challenges or needs additional support in specific areas, adjustments to the teaching plan can be made promptly. This ensures that each child receives the necessary attention and resources to succeed in their reading journey.
In conclusion, teaching kids to read with this approach is a proven method that focuses on structured, multi-sensory learning. It can be highly effective for children, especially those with dyslexia, and provides a strong foundation for reading and spelling skills. Using this evidence-based approach, you can equip children with essential skills to serve them well.