Introduction
Does your child struggle with reading, spelling, or writing? If so, you’re not alone. Many children face difficulties with literacy, but some challenges go beyond normal development. If reading is consistently frustrating, your child might benefit from the Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach, a specialized method designed to help struggling readers succeed.
5 Signs Your Child Needs OG
1. Trouble Sounding Out Words
Does your child guess words instead of decoding them? Many struggling readers have difficulty recognizing phonics patterns and breaking words into sounds. OG explicitly teaches these skills step by step.
2. Slow, Choppy Reading
If your child reads slowly or stumbles over simple words, they may need a structured method like OG to improve fluency and confidence.
3. Poor Spelling Skills
Does your child spell words phonetically but inconsistently? OG teaches spelling using rules and patterns, helping students develop predictable strategies rather than relying on memorization.
4. Avoidance of Reading
Children who struggle with reading often avoid it altogether. If your child dreads reading time, it may be a sign they need specialized support like OG.
5. Difficulty with Writing and Sentence Structure
Struggles with organizing thoughts, forming complete sentences, or remembering grammar rules are common signs of a reading challenge. OG instruction helps improve written expression by reinforcing phonics, spelling, and sentence structure together.
Conclusion
If your child shows any of these signs, the Orton-Gillingham approach could provide the structured, multisensory support they need. With OG, struggling readers can gain confidence, build skills, and develop a lifelong love of reading.
