orton-gillingham training for teachers

2 min read 05-09-2024

The Orton-Gillingham approach is a structured, multisensory method designed to help individuals with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. It is essential for teachers to be equipped with the right strategies to support these learners. This article explores the importance of Orton-Gillingham training for teachers, its components, and how it can benefit both educators and students.

What is Orton-Gillingham?

The Orton-Gillingham approach is named after Dr. Samuel T. Orton and Anna Gillingham, who developed this method in the early 20th century. This approach emphasizes the following key principles:

Multisensory Learning: Engaging multiple senses (visual, auditory, and kinesthetic) to reinforce learning.
Structured and Sequential Instruction: Teaching reading in a systematic and organized manner, starting from basic phonics to more complex skills.
Individualized Instruction: Tailoring lessons to meet the unique needs of each student.

Importance of Orton-Gillingham Training for Teachers

1. Enhancing Teaching Effectiveness

Teachers who undergo Orton-Gillingham training acquire specialized skills to teach reading and writing effectively. They learn to:

Recognize and understand the signs of dyslexia and other reading difficulties.
Implement effective strategies to address diverse learning needs.
Foster a supportive and inclusive classroom environment.

2. Improving Student Outcomes

With proper training, teachers can significantly improve the reading skills of students with dyslexia. This approach leads to:

Increased student engagement and motivation.
Improved self-esteem and confidence in learners.
Better overall academic performance.

3. Building a Supportive Community

Orton-Gillingham training also helps teachers collaborate with parents and other educators to create a supportive learning community. They can:

Share resources and strategies for supporting students with reading difficulties.
Communicate effectively with parents about their child's progress.
Advocate for best practices in literacy instruction within their schools.

Components of Orton-Gillingham Training

1. Coursework

Training programs typically include coursework that covers:

Theories of reading and language development.
The nature of dyslexia and its impact on learning.
Strategies for teaching phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

2. Practical Experience

Hands-on experience is crucial. Teachers engage in:

Lesson planning and implementation using the Orton-Gillingham approach.
Supervised practice with students who struggle with reading.
Feedback and reflection on their teaching methods.

3. Ongoing Professional Development

Orton-Gillingham training is not a one-time event. Teachers are encouraged to pursue:

Continuing education opportunities.
Workshops and seminars to stay current with research and best practices.
Peer collaboration for ongoing support and improvement.

Conclusion

Orton-Gillingham training for teachers is essential for equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to support students with reading difficulties. By embracing this structured, multisensory approach, educators can make a lasting impact on their students' literacy development and overall academic success. Investing in such training is not only beneficial for teachers but is a significant step toward fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment for all students.