We’ll cover the following topics in this post:
- What does an Orton-Gillingham spelling lesson look like?
- How does the Orton-Gillingham approach differ from other spelling programs?
- How does the Orton-Gillingham approach compare to Words Their Way (WTW)?
- What tools enhance spelling instruction in the classroom?
- Final thoughts
Read on to learn more about the Orton-Gillingham approach and how it compares to other spelling programs.
What Does an Orton-Gillingham Spelling Lesson Look Like?
The Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach is a powerful, structured literacy method that offers struggling spellers, particularly those with dyslexia, a systematic way to master spelling. But what does a typical spelling lesson using OG look like? Here’s a breakdown of its key components:
Components of an Orton-Gillingham Spelling Lesson
Visual and Auditory Drills
Every lesson starts with visual and auditory drills to reinforce sound-symbol relationships. Teachers use phonogram cards to review and help students solidify their understanding of phonics. (Source: Orton-Gillingham Mama)Introduction of New Material
New phonograms, spelling rules, or concepts are explicitly introduced, ensuring students grasp the material before applying it. (Source: Ohio Valley Dyslexia Association)Word Dictation
Teachers dictate words for students to spell, using a step-by-step process:- Repeat the word
- Sound it out (finger-tapping each sound)
- Orally spell it
- Write the word while saying the letters aloud
- Read the completed word
This multisensory approach actively engages students. (Source: The Literacy Nest)
Simultaneous Oral Spelling (SOS)
SOS is an essential OG technique where students repeat, spell aloud, and write the word while verbalizing each letter. This step reinforces spelling through auditory and kinesthetic memory.Sentence Dictation
Students apply what they learn by spelling out whole sentences. These sentences blend new concepts with previously mastered spelling rules and phonograms.Learned Words Practice
A short session is dedicated to irregular words (also called “red words”) that don’t follow standard phonics patterns. These words are practiced through reading, writing, and multisensory techniques.Multisensory Strategies
The lesson leverages multisensory techniques like finger spelling (breaking words into sounds) or using tactile materials (e.g., writing in sand) to aid retention.Individualized Instruction
OG lessons are adapted to meet the student’s pace and specific needs, ensuring a tailored learning experience.Explicit Teaching
Teachers clearly explain spelling rules and patterns, ensuring students understand the logic and structure of English spelling.Review and Reinforcement
Finally, students review previously learned material to reinforce skills and aid mastery.
By combining these multiple elements, an OG spelling lesson empowers students to understand the “why” behind spelling and apply their knowledge effectively.
How Does the Orton-Gillingham Approach Differ From Other Spelling Programs?
The Orton-Gillingham approach stands out among spelling programs due to its unique principles and methodology, addressing not just how to spell but also why words follow particular patterns.
Core Features That Differentiate Orton-Gillingham:
Individualized Instruction
Lessons are personalized, adhering to the philosophy, “Go as fast as you can, but as slow as you must.” (Source: All About Learning Press)Multisensory Techniques
Students use visual (seeing words), auditory (hearing and repeating sounds), and kinesthetic (writing or finger-tapping) methods for comprehensive learning. (Source: Orton Gillingham Academy)Explicit and Systematic Instruction
OG lessons teach phonograms, spelling rules, and patterns systematically, helping students grasp the structure and logic of the English language.Diagnostic and Prescriptive Teaching
Unlike other approaches, OG practitioners continuously monitor student progress and adjust lessons accordingly, tackling errors in real time. (Source: Edwards Orton-Gillingham)Focus on Structured Literacy
Unlike balanced literacy or whole-language approaches, OG uses a structured literacy model that prioritizes phonemic awareness, morphology, orthography, and other foundational skills necessary for reading and spelling.Scientific Foundation
OG is backed by extensive research on how the brain processes language, particularly for students with dyslexia.
By prioritizing these principles, OG provides a lifeline for struggling spellers while delivering benefits to learners of all abilities.
How Does the Orton-Gillingham Approach Compare to Words Their Way (WTW)?
Educators often compare OG to Words Their Way (WTW), another popular spelling program. While both approaches aim to improve students’ spelling skills, their methods and target audiences differ significantly. Here’s a side-by-side comparison:
| Dimension | Orton-Gillingham (OG) | Words Their Way (WTW) |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy of Instruction | Multisensory, explicit, and systematic, ideal for struggling learners. | Developmental, exploratory approach tailored to spelling stages. |
| Target Audience | Primarily for students with dyslexia or severe spelling difficulties. | Suitable for all learners, including emergent spellers. |
| Instructional Focus | Emphasizes teaching spelling rules, phonics, and morphology explicitly. | Focuses on word patterns and discovery through categorization and analysis. |
| Individualization | Lessons are completely personalized to the student’s needs. | Uses spelling inventories for general grouping, but less individualized. |
| Mode of Teaching | Structured, teacher-driven instruction. | Student-directed exploration with teacher guidance. |
| Use of Multisensory Techniques | Integral to instruction, helping students process sounds and patterns through tactile and auditory strategies. | Relies on manipulatives like word sorts but lacks explicit multisensory techniques. |
| Flexibility | Sequential and cumulative, with each lesson building upon prior learning. | Flexible in pacing, progressing based on the student’s developmental stage. |
| Strengths | Highly structured; research-based; ideal for struggling learners. | Encourages critical thinking and independence in spelling. |
| Limitations | Can feel rigid; requires specialized teacher training. | May not provide enough explicit instruction for struggling learners. |
What Tools Enhance Spelling Instruction in the Classroom?
Incorporating the right tools into spelling instruction can make learning more engaging and effective for students, while also simplifying lesson planning for educators. Whether you’re implementing the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach, Words Their Way (WTW), or a hybrid approach, technology and hands-on resources can elevate your instruction. Here are some common tools to consider:
1. Spelling Test Buddy
Spelling Test Buddy is an innovative online platform designed to help teachers streamline spelling assessments. This tool allows educators to create customized spelling tests that students can access from any device, making it perfect for classrooms with diverse learners or for implementing a blended learning model.
Key Features:
- Enables teachers to build personalized test lists tailored to each student’s skill level.
- Allows students to practice spelling words independently through interactive activities and self-paced quizzes.
- Tracks student progress automatically, providing actionable data to guide instruction.
- Great for reinforcing the Orton-Gillingham (OG) focus on phonics patterns and rules.
How to Use It: Incorporate Spelling Test Buddy for weekly assessments, practice sessions, or as a diagnostic tool to identify areas where students need additional support with spelling generalizations, irregular words, or phonograms.
2. Phonogram Cards
Phonogram cards are a staple of OG-based instruction and can be a low-tech yet effective tool for teaching sound-symbol relationships. Use these cards during visual and auditory drills, as well as for student practice with segmenting, blending, and recognizing patterns.
Why It Works: Phonogram cards engage both visual and auditory memory, making them ideal for reinforcing multisensory strategies. Plus, they’re simple to use in one-on-one lessons or group settings.
3. Sand Trays or Tactile Writing Surfaces
Sand trays offer a kinesthetic layer to spelling instruction, allowing students to physically “write” words in a textured surface. Other options include salt trays, dry-erase boards, or even apps with tactile feedback.
How It Help: These tools align perfectly with OG’s multisensory principles by giving students a hands-on way to practice forming letters and spelling rules while reinforcing motor memory.
4. Magnetic Letter Tiles
Magnetic letter tiles are versatile tools that support sound manipulation, word building, and syllable division activities. These durable and reusable items can be used for creating CVC words, sorting by syllable types, or exploring morphological concepts like prefixes and suffixes.
How to Use It: Integrate letter tiles into lessons for teaching compound words, decoding, or even sentence dictation practice.
5. Assisted Reading Apps
Assisted reading programs, like Nessy Reading and Spelling or Lexia Core5, are excellent add-ons for students who need additional practice. These apps combine phonics instruction with interactive games, providing a motivating way to reinforce spelling skills outside of direct instruction.
6. Word Sort Activities
Both digital and physical word sorts can help students explore patterns in spelling, such as vowel combinations, syllable types, or morphological units. Tools like Words Their Way: Word Sort Templates or similar apps make this process even easier.
Why It Works: Word sorting builds discovery-based critical thinking skills while reinforcing recognition of patterns essential for spelling.
7. Flashcards and Digital Platforms
For students who thrive on repetition and reinforcement, flashcards (physical or digital) work wonders. Tools like Quizlet or Socratic allow teachers to set up custom spelling decks that students can access and practice at their convenience.
Final Thoughts
The Orton-Gillingham approach is more than a spelling program — it’s a method grounded in research and proven strategies to address diverse literacy challenges. By using explicit, multisensory teaching techniques and tailoring instruction to students’ needs, OG has changed the trajectory for countless learners struggling with reading and spelling. Whether you’re an educator or caregiver, understanding this approach can make all the difference in helping a student succeed.
Have you used Orton-Gillingham or Words Their Way in your classroom? Let us know your experience!