Orton-Gillingham and Online Learning

Question

Why do so many parents of "special needs" kids order us tutors to use Orton-Gillingham from the 1930's and refuse online learning?

Answer 1

Refusing online learning for dyslexic children is a huge mistake. There are so many ways to make interactive learning on a computer fun, engaging, and super effective. I have been teaching online globally working with children who learn differently and online classes are the way to go. So many of my kids have exceeded expectations and I have a 100 percent success rate in teaching ALL my children to read fluently and with great comprehension.

Orton Gillingham and Science Of Reading technology is the way to go with teaching ALL children how to read, not just ones with learning challenges.

Answer 2

Having taught for 22 years in multiple levels and modalities, special education today is one of the most exciting areas to teach! I agree that certain methods that include all modalities and have proven success are certainly one of the best ways to teach. However, one of the reasons I love teaching special ed. so much is that the teacher is allowed flexibility and creativity in discovering new ways to meet each child's individual needs. I've been requested by the district to teach certain areas of special ed. by scripted methods, and of course I'm more than willing to do so. However, the more I watch the child (even high school students) and see what works with him or her, I can develop a modified or new curriculum for them as long as I can prove what I'm doing is working. That takes communication between all parties, approval before hand , and finally data collection of the child's success with your method.

Answer 3

The Orton-Gillingham method is focused on multi-sensory learning combined with consistent review and individualized instruction. Because of this, it is an incredibly flexible method that allows the student to go at their own pace. It works because it doesn't create any gaps in student learning, making it very effective. I mean if it's still around 90 years later... must mean something works! Granted this method may not work for every student, but it does wonders for others.

I encourage you to listen to the requests of the parent and pay attention to the needs of the child. At the end of the day, they know their child better than you do. Also, each student learns differently (whether they are in special ed or general ed), so if orton-gillingham works for that student, then it's a great thing! :)