Course Overview:
In this class, participants will develop an understanding of language learning disabilities, reading struggles, English language sound-symbol relationships, and learn how to effectively use the Orton-Gillingham Multisensory Instructional Approach. Participants will learn how to give and analyze diagnostic assessments, the critical elements of the OG approach, and how to prepare effective lesson plans.
Course Format: This course consists of live video sessions, video recordings, use of audio and visual media, video classroom discussions, and in-class small group activities conducted online.
Participants will need access to a computer with internet access to complete the video assignments. Additionally, participants will need to meet with the instructor(s) to pick up printed materials before the start of training sessions.
Course Objectives:
To develop an understanding of reading struggles and dyslexia
To learn the teaching techniques involved in the OG Approach
To learn the components needed in an OG lesson
To learn and apply the critical elements of a successful multisensory approach
To master the sound-symbol correspondences of the English language
To master basic spelling rules
To learn to administer and analyze the Gallistell Ellis (GE) Test of Decoding and Encoding and utilize the results to prepare lesson plans
To successfully plan and deliver OG lesson plans
Course Expectations: Participants must commit to completing the entire training in addition to tutoring at least one student at the conclusion of the training, for at least one year.
Because there is such a wealth of information to be learned in the training, participants will need to set aside time outside of live sessions to review videos/information to be taught in class.
Tutoring Process:
You first will conduct the GE assessment to determine how you can best support the student.
The results of the GE are utilized to create your language layer, which is your guide to every single lesson plan.
Lessons are prescriptive and must be completed one at a time. Lessons cannot be made in advance.
A new GE should be completed every school year to track student progress.
A report should be sent to families twice a year (in December and May).
Orton-Gillingham Characteristics
Sounds are taught in isolation.
Taught by using a multisensory approach. Sounds are drilled by looking (visual), saying (auditory), and writing (tactile/kinesthetic) simultaneously.
Sounds are blended to form words or basic syllable patterns.
Syllables are synthesized into longer words.
Reinforced by reading materials that are utilizing high interest and phonetically fair.
Spelling rules and generalizations are taught simultaneously with reading.
Non-phonetic words are taught as a separate component from phonetically regular patterns. (Red Words)
Each lesson is shaped to meet the student’s needs and subsequent lessons are created to assure that the student is making progress as well as retaining concepts that have already been taught.
Primary Skills to be Taught in OG lessons
Decoding
Symbol to sound correspondences (recognizing letter units and the sound possibilities)
The basis for reading
Visual Drill
Blending (knowing how to blend sounds, divide words into syllables)
Blending drill
Reading
Encoding
Sound to symbol correspondences (all the ways speech sounds can be spelled)
Basis for spelling
Auditory Drill
Putting symbols together to spell words (Hear normal word pronunciation and separating them into the correct sequence of speech sounds)
Knowing all the ways to spell each sound and the frequency in the English language
Spelling