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