Orton-Gillingham method - American Education

An eight-step system for teaching learning-disabled students to read. Developed in the 1930s by mathematics teacher Anna Gillingham, whose mentor SAMUEL T. ORTON first identified dyslexia, the method is designed for dyslexic children of average or above average intelligence. The method is multisensory, calling for students to use their sense of touch as well as their eyes, ears, tongue and voice. Thus, in the first step of the method, the student hears, sees, speaks and feels each letter by physically tracing it with a finger. Eventually, letters are combined to form sounds, and the sounds are then combined to form words. Based on constant drilling and repetition, the method culminates with a final step, or linkage, in which the student writes a sound or word after the teacher has sounded it.

The Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators trains and certifies teachers in the Orton-Gillingham method.