K or CK? Is there a rhyme or reason? After introducing the FLOSS rule, the next spelling generalization that is usually taught is the K/CK spelling generalization. This is an incredibly useful and freeing spelling generalization that allows students to spell many words using standard spelling. This generalization applies to the END of words and […]
Multisensory Spelling Strategies for Teaching The Floss Rule
Tips for Teaching the FLOSS Spelling Generalization Some of the most powerful tools we teach our Orton Gillingham students are spelling generalizations to help them choose the correct spelling option. Most adults are not even aware of these “rules”, as with increased familiarity with the orthography of English, one develops an awareness of what “looks […]
Top Ten Tips for Teaching Consonant Blends
Decoding and encoding consonant blends is among the most important concepts you teach your beginning readers. This is a skill they will use across multiple syllable types, in both single syllable and multi-syllabic words and even in reading and writing Latin roots and Greek combining forms. Your students may come to you already confident with […]
Effective Decoding Strategies To Improve Reading
Many teachers are familiar with decoding strategies that may emphasize the use of picture clues, meaning and self-monitoring. Sometimes these decoding activities are even given cute nicknames to help students remember. While we want students to monitor our students and their reading for accuracy to make sure it makes sense, often these kinds […]
Seven Tips for Success When Starting with New Orton-Gillingham Students
7 Tips for Getting Off to a Great Start with a New Student When parents come to me seeking help for their child, very often it is the child’s emotional well-being that has been the final catalyst to seek tutoring. Struggling readers often begin to think of themselves as “stupid” and their overall self-confidence and […]
How To Explain Orton-Gillingham to Families
Explaining Orton-Gillingham to Families It can be a challenge when talking about dyslexia and the parts of an Orton-Gillingham lesson to avoid using a lot of technical language and jargon. Many times, parents seeking tutoring services have been told their child should receive Orton-Gillingham instruction or sometimes a specific O-G based program, without really […]
Multisensory Teaching Strategies in the Classroom: Part One
Multisensory Teaching Strategies in the Classroom Part One: Using Multisensory Teaching Techniques Multisensory teaching is not just crucial for kids with dyslexia, or within Orton-Gillingham lesson plans, it is good solid teaching for ALL students. Incorporating multisensory learning tools into your classroom lessons will not replace intervention services, but it will make […]
Orton-Gillingham In Small Groups? Yes, You Can!
Do you find yourself scratching your head when thinking about how the heck to run an Orton-Gillingham lesson plan in small groups during a typical school week? Common problems which may arise: Timing could be off. You might only have a session about 30 minutes a day or a few days a week. […]
How to Write Effective Orton-Gillingham Progress Reports
Tips for Sharing Progress with Parents Whether you are working in private practice as an Orton-Gillingham tutor or working with students in a classroom or school setting, sharing information about a student’s progress is an important part of our work. When it comes to learning to read, a child’s progress is as individual […]
Tips For Error Correction During Orton-Gillingham Lessons
Part of being a successful Orton-Gillingham teacher or tutor means being prescriptive. This means you tailor your Orton-Gillingham lesson plans to meet the specific needs of your struggling readers. Just as important as being prescriptive is being diagnostic. This means that based on a student’s performance within a particular task, you are able to make […]
