The Best Reading Approach

Exploring Different Reading Approaches: Understanding the Science of Reading and Orton-Gillingham
Teaching children to read involves choosing an approach that fits their unique learning needs, and as a parent, you may wonder about the best methods to help your child succeed. Two widely discussed and effective reading methods are The Science of Reading and The Orton-Gillingham Approach. Both are research-backed, though they differ in application and focus. This article will guide you through these approaches, and we’ll also explore how programs like Collegiate Learning use the Orton-Gillingham method to teach phonics and spelling. Notably, Collegiate Learning tutors are trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach by Dr. Carter, ensuring that their phonics and spelling instruction follows a well-regarded, research-based model.

1. The Science of Reading: The FoundationThe Science of Reading is a body of research that examines how children learn to read and what strategies work best based on brain science. It emphasizes that reading is not something we’re naturally wired to do (like talking) but a skill that must be explicitly taught. Researchers have studied how our brains respond to reading and have identified several key principles for effective reading instruction.
Key Principles of the Science of Reading

1. Phonemic Awareness: This is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in words. For example, understanding that the word “cat” has three sounds (/c/, /a/, /t/) is foundational to learning to read.
   
2. Phonics: Phonics is the method of teaching children how letters correspond to sounds. This connection between letters and sounds helps children decode (sound out) words and is essential for reading fluency.
   
3. Fluency: Fluency refers to reading accurately and smoothly. This skill develops as children practice decoding and recognizing words quickly, which also helps them focus more on comprehension.
   
4. Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary helps children understand what they’re reading. The more words they know, the easier it is to make sense of sentences and passages.
   
5. Comprehension: Comprehension is the ability to understand and make sense of what is read. It’s the ultimate goal of reading, as it allows children to learn, enjoy stories, and apply new knowledge.
   

The Science of Reading combines all these components into a comprehensive approach that builds the foundational skills necessary for reading success. This approach is systematic and explicit, meaning it’s structured, intentional, and follows a clear path to develop each skill step-by-step.

2. Orton-Gillingham Approach: A Proven Method for Phonics and SpellingThe Orton-Gillingham (OG) Approach is a specific method of teaching reading that’s structured, multisensory, and sequential. It’s been around since the 1930s, designed to help struggling readers—especially those with dyslexia. While the OG approach originally targeted students with reading difficulties, it’s now widely used for all types of learners because of its effectiveness.
What Makes Orton-Gillingham Unique?

1. Multisensory Learning: OG engages multiple senses—sight, sound, touch, and movement—simultaneously. For example, a child may see the letter "b," say its sound (/b/), write it in the air, and feel it as they trace it in sand. This multisensory engagement helps reinforce the connection between sounds and letters.
   
2. Explicit and Systematic Instruction: OG teaches reading in an ordered, step-by-step way, starting with simple concepts and gradually building to more complex ones. Each step is taught directly, leaving little to guesswork, which is particularly helpful for young or struggling readers.
   
3. Sequential and Cumulative: With OG, each lesson builds on the previous one. A child starts with the basics, like letter sounds, and gradually moves up to blending sounds into words, understanding word patterns, and reading sentences.
   
4. Phonemic Awareness and Phonics: OG focuses heavily on phonemic awareness (the understanding of sounds) and phonics (the relationship between letters and sounds). Children learn the sounds that letters make and how to combine them to form words.
   

Orton-Gillingham doesn’t just teach reading—it teaches spelling, too. For example, when a child learns the sound /k/, they’re also taught when to use “c,” “k,” or “ck” in spelling words. This helps children become confident not only in reading but also in writing.

Orton-Gillingham’s Influence on Reading ProgramsMany popular reading programs use principles of the Orton-Gillingham approach, adapting its methods to create structured systems that are easy to follow. One example of this is Collegiate Learning, which applies Orton-Gillingham strategies in teaching phonics and spelling. Collegiate Learning’s tutors are trained by Dr. Carter in the Orton-Gillingham approach, ensuring that their methods adhere to high standards of reading instruction that are proven to support literacy development.
Collegiate Learning and the Orton-Gillingham Approach

1. Phonics and Spelling Focus: Collegiate Learning uses a structured approach to phonics, teaching children how each letter and combination of letters corresponds to sounds. This way, children learn to decode new words on their own, making them more independent readers.
   
2. Step-by-Step Learning: The program is systematic, building on each skill before introducing the next. For example, children might start with individual sounds, then blend those sounds into words, and finally learn spelling rules that apply to more complex words.
   
3. Multisensory Activities: In alignment with OG principles, Collegiate Learning includes multisensory activities to help reinforce reading and spelling skills. Children might use flashcards, write letters in sand, or practice spelling patterns with hands-on activities.
   
4. Encouragement of Mastery: The program allows children to progress at their own pace, ensuring they master each skill before moving on. This builds confidence and prevents frustration, which is especially important for struggling readers.
   

Which Approach is Best for My Child?Both the Science of Reading and the Orton-Gillingham approach have been proven to support reading success, particularly for children who need explicit instruction. Here are a few considerations to help decide:

• For General Reading Instruction: If you’re looking for a comprehensive approach that covers all aspects of reading (phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension), the Science of Reading approach is a solid choice. It incorporates all the skills children need to become successful readers.
  
• For Struggling Readers or Those with Dyslexia: If your child struggles with phonics or has been diagnosed with dyslexia, an Orton-Gillingham-based program like Collegiate Learning might be especially helpful. The OG approach’s focus on multisensory, sequential, and explicit instruction makes it particularly effective for children who need more hands-on and step-by-step guidance.
  

Resources to Get StartedIf you’re interested in exploring these methods further, here are some resources and programs that can help:

• Collegiate Learning: Uses the Orton-Gillingham approach for phonics and spelling, offering a structured, multisensory approach. Tutors are trained by Dr. Carter, ensuring high-quality, research-based instruction.
  
• All About Reading: A Science of Reading-aligned curriculum that uses systematic phonics instruction to teach reading from the ground up.
  
• Reading Rockets: A website with resources on the Science of Reading, phonics, and ways to support struggling readers.
  
• Barton Reading & Spelling System: An Orton-Gillingham-based program designed for students with dyslexia, incorporating multisensory activities to reinforce phonics and spelling.
  

Final ThoughtsUnderstanding the different reading approaches can empower you to choose a method that best fits your child’s needs. Whether you go with a Science of Reading approach or an Orton-Gillingham-based program, what matters most is consistent practice, support, and encouragement. Every child can learn to read with the right approach, and as a parent, you’re in a unique position to guide them through this foundational skill with patience and care.

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