Getting To The Root of Literacy
The process of reading starts with hearing and producing sounds. Humans are biologically wired to hear and produce sounds; specific brain areas are dedicated to interpreting and producing them. Likewise, designated areas are dedicated to visual processing; there is no single area dedicated to reading. Reading, however, is not a natural human process. Unlike spoken language—which the brain is biologically prepared to acquire—reading must be explicitly taught.
Some children seem to magically acquire this skill, while for others, cracking the code is a mystery that seems too great to master. Because the brain must build entirely new neural circuits for literacy, early, explicit, sequential and structured reading instruction is essential.
Orton‑Gillingham (OG) is a structured, multisensory, evidence‑based approach designed to teach reading, writing, and spelling, especially to students with dyslexia. Its guiding principles include being explicit, systematic, sequential, diagnostic, and multisensory—engaging visual, auditory, and kinesthetic pathways simultaneously. OG helps students with dyslexia by breaking language down into clear, manageable parts and teaching them how English works through direct instruction and repeated practice. Major dyslexia organizations, such as the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity, recognize and recommend Orton‑Gillingham–based interventions for their strong research foundation and effectiveness with struggling readers.
Aline Ableson
Orton-Gillingham Academy Associate Member
We are so grateful to Aline for working with our son. I reached out to Aline because I could see that he was not learning to read. At the end of grade one, he had a C- in language, and I was beginning to think I would have to pull him out of French Immersion. We began having him work with Aline 2 days per week for one hour. In order for him to participate, we pulled him from school. Our son enjoyed going to Aline, and she taught him the rules of language (phonics) that he was not learning at school. The fact that Aline is bilingual was comforting to me because she was able to teach him the differences in the rules of language between French and English. Our son is entering grade 6, attending French Immersion and is a confident reader. Thank you, Aline, we will be forever grateful!
As a parent, I cannot say enough wonderful things about Aline and the impact she has had on my son's literacy journey.