Orton-Gillingham
The standard in science-based literacy instruction. Discover what Orton-Gillingham can offer parents, teachers and schools.
Homework was a daily, tear-inducing ritual for my daughter. I couldn’t understand why reading was so hard when it came effortlessly to her twin brother. A lover of stories and conversation, her dyslexia led me to Orton-Gillingham.
That journey altered the next many years. Through countless hours of coursework, working side by side—boots on the ground—with students, and training teachers, I’ve had a front-row seat to Orton-Gillingham’s transformative power: helping children build confidence and motivation, develop independence, and discover the joy of literacy.
Today, my daughter is a thriving adult … and a reader.
Discover the Orton-Gillingham Approach
When the Why Behind Reading Makes Sense.
Amy Halpert, Fellow/OGA
What’s the Orton-Gillingham buzz about?
Orton-Gillingham is an approach to reading instruction that requires coursework and a supervised practicum.
Guided by ongoing assessment, lessons are individualized to meet each learner's needs while building skills in a logical, cumulative sequence.
Components of an Orton-Gillingham Lesson:
Handwriting and letter formation
Phonological and phonemic awareness
Letter–sound correspondence and phonics
Reading and spelling practice with previously taught skills
Explicit instruction of new concepts
Guided reading of controlled, decodable text
Reading comprehension
Written language development, including grammar, sentence writing, and composition
What makes it special:
Individualized
Driven by student data and ongoing progress monitoring to respond to each learner’s needs.
Explicit
Skills are taught directly and clearly, leaving no room for guessing.
Multisensory
Visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile pathways are interwoven to strengthen learning and help skills stick.
Systematic
A deliberate sequence builds from a solid foundation, increasing in complexity at the student’s pace.
Cumulative
Previously taught skills are reinforced and revisited as needed to build fluency and automaticity.
Creative and Flexible
Instruction incorporates art and heart, making room for creativity, responsiveness, and a personal, one-of-a-kind learning experience.
Emotionally Supportive
A feel-good, encouraging environment helps students who may feel anxious, frustrated, or reluctant to take a risks … to soar Sky Bound.
Orton-Gillingham Training Pathway
Elevate your practice. Spark inspiration. Make a lasting difference.
Passionate about the power of Orton-Gillingham to change lives, Amy is dedicated to sharing its essential “gemstones”–the core principles and practices that make the approach so powerful–while ensuring that every trainee feels supported throughout their journey.
Join our next Orton-Gillingham training and be supported and mentored every step of the way.
“Amy really changed my thinking.”
I learned so much in such a short time, and it was definitely the best class I have ever taken. She has a passion for literacy and brought that passion to the class.
– Sixth Grade Teacher, New York City
Foundations in Dyslexia, Manhattanville University
“I wanted to share how fantastic this lesson was – engaging, clear and helpful.”
She quickly develops a rapport with each student in the class, while dedicating herself to all the students each day. Amy invests herself completely in getting to know every child while meeting the needs of the various learning styles within the classroom. She is goal-oriented and clearly sets high expectations for herself and her students. Any student would be lucky to have her in their corner.
- 1st Grade Teacher, Greenwich, CT
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from such an inspiring educator.”
Amy sets high standards, clearly communicates expectations, and maintains a kind and friendly demeanor. She is empathetic and empowers students to achieve success. I’m grateful to have had the chance to learn from her.
- High School Teacher, Greenwich, CT
Helping Every Student Soar
Let’s start the conversation.
