How Orton-Gillingham Supports Kids Who Struggle With Reading
Introduction
Reading can feel like a huge challenge for some kids, especially when a new school year starts. New books, more reading out loud, and bigger expectations can make children who already struggle with reading feel anxious or left behind. That is where the orton-gillingham approach comes in. It breaks reading down into small, clear steps that help children feel more in control.
Instead of memorizing or guessing, kids learn how letters and sounds work together in a way that finally makes sense. Orton-Gillingham gives students structure and support that helps them feel less frustrated. For students who feel like reading just is not “their thing,” this approach can be a quiet but steady turning point.
Why Some Kids Struggle With Reading
For some kids, reading does not come easily—no matter how hard they try. They might flip letters or get stuck on the same words over and over. Some read slowly and forget what they just read by the time they reach the bottom of the page. It can be frustrating and a little scary, especially when it feels like everyone else picks it up faster.
These struggles are not a sign that the child is not smart or capable. Often, their brains process sounds, letters, and language differently. Picture a child trying to write the word “trip” but mixing up the letters or the sounds. Maybe they write “drip,” “trup,” or even “tirp.” If this keeps happening, they may start to believe something is wrong with them, which can lead them to pull away from reading.
What these students need is not more pressure. They need help that matches the way they learn—or teaches it to them in a way that finally clicks. When traditional reading instruction moves too quickly or skips steps, kids can fall through the cracks. The right kind of guidance makes a difference, especially when it meets them exactly where they are.
What Makes Orton-Gillingham Different
Orton-gillingham does things differently from the “read and guess” way many struggling readers have experienced. It breaks reading and writing down into smaller blocks and teaches each piece in order—step by step. It does not require kids to memorize dozens of rules. Instead, students learn the building blocks one at a time.
A big part of orton-gillingham is its multisensory teaching. Kids do not just hear the sound of a letter. They might say it, trace it with their finger, write it down, and look at it closely. The lessons might include saying the “sh” sound, writing it, and spelling “ship” with magnetic letters. This active, hands-on learning helps keep focus and makes it easier to remember what was taught.
The emphasis on order is important. Students do not move ahead until they are sure about what they have already practiced. That structure gives struggling readers something to hold on to. Once kids realize it is okay to take their time, the pressure drops and real growth can begin.
At Lamorinda Reads, students benefit from multisensory structured literacy lessons inspired by methods like orton-gillingham, tailored to individual strengths and learning differences.
The Impact of Consistent, One-on-One Support
When a child works individually with someone trained in orton-gillingham, learning starts to feel safe. They do not have to raise their hand in a big group or worry about what other kids think. With one-on-one support, there is time to ask questions, try again, and learn at the right pace.
Changes often start small. A student who used to avoid reading might sit a little straighter during a lesson. A tight grip on the pencil may loosen. A student who spells a hard word on their own may start to smile for the first time in weeks. These quiet wins build trust—in the tutor and in themselves.
Steady, regular lessons make a difference. Familiar routines help kids relax and pay attention. Instead of bracing for mistakes, they know what to expect and start looking forward to small successes. As nerves fade, confidence grows.
Real Progress Kids Can Feel
Progress with orton-gillingham is measured in little moments that matter. Reading a short paragraph without stopping to sound out every word becomes a personal victory. Spelling a tough word right the first time feels like a big accomplishment.
Over time, these steps add up. Kids write longer sentences, notice familiar word parts in stories, or recognize speech patterns in conversation. This new awareness makes them more independent, both in and out of school.
As reading gets easier to understand, other parts of the school day often improve too. Homework is less of a battle. Students are willing to write more and participate during reading time. These changes come not from being told they are doing well, but from feeling it.
Confidence That Carries Into the School Year
The start of a school year often brings new pressure for kids who struggle with reading. With new routines, more challenging assignments, and a faster academic pace, many students feel lost early on. Orton-gillingham provides the tools to meet those challenges with steady support.
Even if a student is not the fastest reader, they can break down hard words and keep trying. Mistakes are less scary, and small hiccups do not lead to quitting. These tools are the foundation for quiet confidence that lasts beyond one lesson or test.
Little by little, something shifts. A student does not have to love reading, but they learn that reading is not impossible. With the right lessons and some care, students move from uncertainty toward belonging. When they start to believe in their ability to learn, everything from homework to class participation feels a little more possible. At Lamorinda Reads, we’ve seen how the right support can help struggling readers feel more confident and connected in the classroom. For families in the East Bay looking into structured, multisensory instruction, the Orton-Gillingham approach can be a strong match for kids who need a more step-by-step way of learning. It’s not about rushing progress—it’s about building real understanding that lasts. If your child needs more support with reading this school year, we’re here to help. Reach out to start a conversation with us today.
