Orton Gillingham Lesson Plan Sample
Orton Gillingham Lesson Plan Sample: A Guide to Structured Literacy Teaching
orton gillingham lesson plan sample can serve as an essential resource for educators
aiming to implement a multisensory, structured approach to reading instruction. This
method, rooted in the Orton-Gillingham approach, has been widely recognized for its
effectiveness in teaching students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. By
exploring a sample lesson plan, teachers can gain insight into how to organize their
instruction to promote phonemic awareness, decoding skills, and fluent reading.
Understanding the key components of an Orton Gillingham lesson plan sample is crucial
for delivering instruction that is systematic, explicit, and engaging. Unlike traditional
reading programs, the Orton-Gillingham approach uses a carefully sequenced curriculum
that integrates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning modalities. This multisensory
technique helps students connect letters and sounds more effectively, making reading
acquisition more accessible and enjoyable.
What Makes an Orton Gillingham Lesson Plan Sample Unique?
Orton Gillingham lesson plans stand out because they emphasize individualized
instruction tailored to a student’s specific needs. The lesson structure is flexible yet
follows a consistent pattern that reinforces learning. A typical lesson plan sample includes
several distinct components:
1. Review of Previously Learned Material
The lesson usually begins with a quick review of concepts from previous sessions. This
might include:
Phoneme drills or flashcards to reinforce letter-sound associations
1.
Review of previously taught spelling rules
2.
Reading previously learned words or sentences aloud
3.
This review helps solidify retention and primes the student for new content.
2. Introduction of New Material
In this part of the lesson, the teacher introduces a new phoneme, grapheme, or spelling
pattern. This section often includes:
Explicit explanation of the sound and its corresponding letter(s)
1.
Visual aids to demonstrate the shape and formation of letters
2.
Multisensory activities such as tracing letters in sand or air-writing to engage
3.
kinesthetic learning
The goal is to make the new information clear and memorable by connecting it with
multiple senses.
3. Guided Practice
Once the new concept is introduced, guided practice allows students to apply what they
have learned under the teacher’s supervision. Examples include:
Decoding words that contain the new phoneme or spelling pattern
1.
Writing words and sentences using the new concept
2.
Oral repetition to reinforce auditory processing
3.
This step is critical for building confidence and fluency before independent work.
4. Independent Practice
Students are encouraged to practice independently to reinforce mastery. This might
include:
Reading passages or stories that incorporate the new skill
1.
Writing exercises such as dictation or composition
2.
Spell-check activities focused on the lesson’s phonics rules
3.
Independent work allows teachers to assess understanding and identify areas needing
further instruction.
5. Assessment and Feedback
The lesson concludes with a brief assessment, such as reading aloud or a quick spelling
test, followed by constructive feedback. This helps both teacher and student monitor
progress and plan subsequent lessons accordingly.
Sample Orton Gillingham Lesson Plan: A Closer Look
To illustrate, here is a simplified example of an Orton Gillingham lesson plan sample
aimed at teaching the “ch” digraph:
Lesson Objective:
Students will be able to identify and correctly use the “ch” sound in reading and spelling.
Materials Needed:
Letter cards
1.
Sand tray or textured writing surface
2.
Word list containing “ch” words (e.g., chair, cheese, chin)
3.
Flashcards with pictures representing “ch” words
4.
Lesson Plan Steps:
Review: Briefly review previously learned consonant sounds with flashcards.
1.
Introduce the “ch” sound: Explain that “ch” makes a unique sound, different
2.
from “c” or “h” alone. Show the letters and say the sound together.
Multisensory practice: Have the student trace the letters “c” and “h” together in
3.
the sand tray while saying the sound aloud.
Guided reading: Read a list of “ch” words together, emphasizing the “ch” sound at
4.
the beginning of each word.
Writing practice: Write “ch” words dictated by the teacher, focusing on spelling
5.
and letter formation.
Independent reading: Provide a short passage or sentences using “ch” words for
6.
the student to read independently.
Assessment: Conduct a quick spelling test with “ch” words and provide immediate
7.
feedback.
Throughout the lesson, the teacher continually checks for understanding, adjusting the
pace and support as needed.
Tips for Creating an Effective Orton Gillingham Lesson Plan
Sample
While the structure of Orton Gillingham lessons is well-defined, tailoring lessons to meet
individual student needs is key. Here are some practical tips:
Focus on Multisensory Learning
Incorporate activities that engage visual, auditory, and kinesthetic modalities. For
example, use letter tiles for building words, have students say sounds aloud, and
encourage writing letters in the air or on textured surfaces.
Keep Lessons Short and Intense
Young learners or struggling readers benefit from focused, relatively brief lessons (20-40
minutes) to maintain attention and avoid fatigue.
Use Repetition and Cumulative Review
Regularly revisit previous lessons to reinforce skills and ensure retention. Cumulative
review strengthens long-term mastery.
Incorporate Decoding and Encoding
Balance reading (decoding) activities with spelling and writing (encoding) exercises. This
dual approach deepens phonemic awareness and word knowledge.
Maintain a Positive and Encouraging Atmosphere
Celebrate small successes and provide gentle correction. Building confidence is as
important as building skills.
Integrating Technology and Resources
While Orton Gillingham is traditionally a hands-on method, modern educators can
enhance lessons with digital tools. Interactive apps that support phonics practice, online
flashcard generators, and multisensory games can complement lesson plans and make
learning more engaging.
Furthermore, many Orton Gillingham lesson plan samples are available online, offering
downloadable templates and activity ideas. These resources can be invaluable for
teachers new to the approach or looking for fresh ideas.
Why Use an Orton Gillingham Lesson Plan Sample?
For educators, especially those working with students facing reading challenges, using a
detailed lesson plan sample helps:
Ensure lessons are well-organized and purposeful
1.
Stay aligned with the principles of structured literacy
2.
Measure student progress systematically
3.
Adapt instruction based on objective assessment
4.
Build confidence in delivering multisensory reading instruction
5.
In essence, an Orton Gillingham lesson plan sample provides a roadmap to effective
teaching that respects the unique learning profiles of each student.
Exploring and customizing these lesson plans can transform the reading experience for
learners who struggle, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and success.
Question
Answer
What is an Orton
Gillingham lesson plan
sample?
An Orton Gillingham lesson plan sample is a detailed guide
or template used by educators to structure lessons based
on the Orton Gillingham approach, which focuses on
multisensory, structured, and sequential instruction for
students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.
What are the key
components of an Orton
Gillingham lesson plan
sample?
Key components include a review of previous material,
introduction of new concepts, multisensory activities
(visual, auditory, kinesthetic), guided practice,
independent practice, and assessment or review to track
progress.
Where can I find a free
Orton Gillingham lesson
plan sample?
Free Orton Gillingham lesson plan samples can often be
found on educational websites, dyslexia support
organizations, and teacher resource platforms such as the
International Dyslexia Association website or Teachers Pay
Teachers.
How does an Orton
Gillingham lesson plan
sample address different
learning styles?
The lesson plan incorporates multisensory techniques,
engaging visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning
modalities to ensure students with different learning
preferences and needs can grasp concepts effectively.
Can I customize an Orton
Gillingham lesson plan
sample for my classroom?
Yes, Orton Gillingham lesson plans are designed to be
flexible and can be tailored to meet the specific needs,
skill levels, and progress of individual students or groups.
How long is a typical Orton
Gillingham lesson in a
sample plan?
A typical Orton Gillingham lesson usually lasts between 30
to 60 minutes, depending on the student's age, attention
span, and specific learning goals outlined in the lesson
plan sample.
What types of activities are
included in an Orton
Gillingham lesson plan
sample?
Activities include phonemic awareness exercises,
decoding and encoding practice, spelling drills,
handwriting practice, multisensory games, and reading
passages that reinforce the targeted skills.
Why is it important to use
an Orton Gillingham lesson
plan sample for dyslexic
students?
Using a structured Orton Gillingham lesson plan ensures
systematic, explicit, and multisensory instruction, which is
proven to be effective in helping dyslexic students
improve their reading, spelling, and writing skills.
Orton Gillingham Lesson Plan Sample: A Closer Look at Structured Literacy Instruction
orton gillingham lesson plan sample serves as a fundamental tool for educators
aiming to implement a structured, multisensory approach to reading instruction. Rooted in
decades of research, the Orton-Gillingham (OG) method targets students with dyslexia
and other reading difficulties, emphasizing phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency,
vocabulary, and comprehension. This article scrutinizes a typical Orton Gillingham lesson
plan sample, highlighting its components, effectiveness, and practical applications in
diverse learning environments.
Understanding the Orton Gillingham Approach
Before delving into a detailed Orton Gillingham lesson plan sample, it is essential to grasp
the method’s foundational principles. Originally developed in the early 20th century by
Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham, the OG approach integrates multisensory techniques
that engage visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning pathways simultaneously. This
multisensory engagement is particularly beneficial for struggling readers or those
diagnosed with dyslexia, as it reinforces neural connections essential for decoding and
encoding language.
The OG method is distinguished by its systematic, explicit, and sequential instruction,
which contrasts with more implicit or whole-language approaches. Each lesson is carefully
structured to build on prior knowledge, ensuring mastery at every stage.
Key Components of an Orton Gillingham Lesson Plan Sample
An effective Orton Gillingham lesson plan sample encapsulates several core components
designed to address various aspects of literacy development. Typically, the lesson follows
a predictable yet flexible format that can be adapted to individual student needs.
1. Review of Previously Learned Material
A hallmark of the OG lesson plan is the consistent review segment. This portion reinforces
previously taught phonograms, rules, and concepts, ensuring retention and fluency. For
example, an OG lesson plan sample might begin with a quick 5-10 minute review of
flashcards or a spelling drill focusing on phonics patterns introduced in prior sessions.
2. Introduction of New Content
Building sequentially, the next phase introduces new phonetic elements, spelling rules, or
syllable types. The new material is presented explicitly and systematically, often using
multisensory methods such as tracing letters in sand, tapping out syllables, or using color-
coded cards to represent different phonemes.
3. Guided Practice
Following instruction, students engage in guided practice with the teacher’s support. This
stage involves oral reading, dictation, or word building exercises that consolidate the new
learning. An Orton Gillingham lesson plan sample usually incorporates immediate
corrective feedback to prevent the formation of incorrect decoding habits.
4. Application and Integration
To foster generalization, students apply the new skills in context. This might include
reading connected text, composing sentences, or engaging in spelling activities that
integrate the newly learned patterns. The application phase emphasizes comprehension
and fluency alongside decoding.
5. Assessment and Progress Monitoring
While not always explicitly detailed in every lesson plan, ongoing assessment is crucial
within the OG framework. Informal observations or brief formative assessments within the
lesson help tailor subsequent instruction to the learner’s evolving needs.
Examining a Sample Orton Gillingham Lesson Plan
To illustrate, consider a sample lesson plan designed for a student who has mastered
short vowel sounds and is ready to learn consonant blends. The lesson might proceed as
follows:
Review: Rapid naming of previously learned phonograms (e.g., /b/, /m/, /s/ sounds)
1.
and blending practice with simple CVC words.
New Content: Introduction of consonant blends such as "bl," "st," and "cr" using
2.
visual aids and tactile letter tiles.
Guided Practice: Oral blending exercises with the new blends, dictation of blend-
3.
containing words, and multisensory tracing of blend letter combinations.
Application: Reading a short decodable passage featuring consonant blends,
4.
followed by sentence creation using the new blends.
Assessment: Informal observation of blending fluency and accurate spelling during
5.
the dictation phase.
This sample reflects the OG method’s dedication to systematic instruction and
multisensory engagement, tailored to the learner’s current skill set.
Comparing Orton Gillingham Lesson Plans to Other Literacy
Frameworks
When juxtaposed with other literacy instruction models, such as Balanced Literacy or
Whole Language, Orton Gillingham lesson plans stand out for their explicitness and
structured progression. Balanced Literacy often emphasizes context and meaning over
phonics, whereas OG prioritizes decoding skills through a step-by-step approach.
Research indicates that OG-based interventions yield significant gains for students with
dyslexia, outperforming less structured programs. For example, a 2019 meta-analysis
published in the Journal of Learning Disabilities highlighted that explicit phonics
instruction, a hallmark of OG lessons, consistently improves reading accuracy and fluency
among struggling readers.
However, the OG approach demands specialized training and can be resource-intensive,
which may pose challenges for widespread implementation. Additionally, some critics
argue that the method's focus on phonics might underemphasize higher-order
comprehension skills if not integrated thoughtfully.
Advantages of Using an Orton Gillingham Lesson Plan Sample
Multisensory Engagement: Facilitates deeper learning by involving multiple
1.
sensory modalities.
Individualization: Allows for tailored pacing and targeted skill development based
2.
on student performance.
Systematic and Sequential: Builds foundational skills with a clear instructional
3.
hierarchy.
Evidence-Based: Supported by extensive research validating its efficacy for
4.
dyslexic learners.
Potential Limitations
Time-Intensive: Requires longer sessions and consistent repetition, which may
1.
strain classroom schedules.
Training Requirements: Educators must undergo specialized certification to
2.
deliver OG instruction effectively.
Resource Demands: Materials and manipulatives integral to multisensory learning
3.
may incur additional costs.
Implementing Orton Gillingham Lesson Plans in Diverse
Educational Settings
The adaptability of an Orton Gillingham lesson plan sample makes it viable across various
educational contexts, from special education classrooms to one-on-one tutoring. In
inclusive classrooms, OG techniques can be incorporated into broader literacy curricula to
support all learners, especially those requiring additional phonics instruction.
Technology integration also enhances OG lesson delivery. Digital tools that simulate
multisensory experiences or provide interactive phonics practice complement traditional
materials. Some educators utilize apps aligned with Orton Gillingham principles, enabling
remote or hybrid instruction models that maintain the method’s integrity.
Professional development remains a critical factor in successful implementation. Schools
investing in OG training for teachers often report improved student outcomes and higher
confidence among educators in addressing reading challenges.
Sample Weekly Plan Incorporating Orton Gillingham Elements
Day 1: Review prior knowledge and introduce new phonogram.
1.
Day 2: Multisensory practice of new material with guided exercises.
2.
Day 3: Application through reading decodable texts and writing activities.
3.
Day 4: Reinforcement via games or interactive tasks focusing on the week’s skill.
4.
Day 5: Assessment and targeted review based on student performance.
5.
This structure exemplifies how an Orton Gillingham lesson plan sample can be extended
over multiple sessions to ensure mastery and retention.
Exploring an Orton Gillingham lesson plan sample reveals its thoughtful design aimed at
equipping struggling readers with essential decoding tools. While it requires commitment
and expertise, the method’s proven track record continues to make it a preferred choice
among literacy specialists and educators dedicated to fostering reading success for all
students.
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