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Orton-Gillingham concepts are now popular with both parents and teachers. It's not just an approach to learning but a reading program that follows a simple path for every student. Because it is flexible and problem-solving by nature, instructors can use this method to identify a learner's reading difficulties and find ways to address them. That's why this concept has remained strong since its inception in the 1930s. It has helped provide solutions for those who face challenges with basic spelling, reading and writing. By taking this science-backed teaching route, you allow children to recognize what they already know and what they still need to learn. This clarity boosts their confidence. And the best part is that you can introduce children to this learning environment as early as kindergarten.
When integrated into the kindergarten curriculum, this approach helps children gradually develop essential reading skills and ultimately become strong communicators. Let's see what Orton-Gillingham-style texts include…
Teaching reading skills to kindergarteners
Reading is one of the most fundamental yet complex skills that every child needs to develop as they grow. Some teachers rely on Orton-Gillingham methods to support kids in their reading journey. To make these lessons on phonograms, syllables and spelling patterns more effective, teachers frequently engage multiple senses: auditory, visual and kinesthetic. They involve children in activities like arm tapping or building words with different letters. Some also refer to worksheets that contain pictures to introduce new concepts. It helps children associate letters with their respective sounds through visual signals.
You can also find an emphasis on blending drills in kindergarten education. It helps children read words they may not be familiar with. How do they achieve this? By using their decoding skills. Orton-Gillingham lessons don't encourage rote memorization. These reading materials engage young learners' brains, allowing them to absorb information naturally. For example, they learn to blend different sounds to form new words. More specifically, most Orton-Gillingham lessons focus on helping students read both words and sentences. They are also trained using decodable texts and are taught to separate letters and letter combinations. Vowel sounds and other reading concepts are explained in an engaging way. From phonological awareness to reading fluency, this scientific approach covers every aspect of their reading development.
Additional information
Not everyone may be familiar with the Orton-Gillingham style of teaching, but it is an integral part of modern literacy programs. Many schools use these reading programs from the early stages of education to prepare children for a bright future. After all, reading and comprehension aren't just skills — they are powerful tools of expression. If you want to make your child a confident speaker or a successful professional, sowing the seeds of reading skills from the beginning is the best way.
Some people worry about how to implement this method of learning in their child's education. Whether at home or in school, you can access platforms that offer excellent resources, clearly capturing the essence of scientific methods. You can skim through them and select materials that align with your child's knowledge and understanding.
