Teaching Kids to Read with the Orton–Gillingham Approach | Provo Mountain Academy

Learn how the Orton–Gillingham approach helps children learn to read through multisensory instruction. Discover why this method supports struggling readers and builds confidence.

Scott Long, M.Ed.

6/30/20261 min read

Teaching Kids to Read Using the Orton–Gillingham Approach

Learning to read doesn’t look the same for every child. Some students seem to pick it up naturally, while others need more time, practice, and support. That difference doesn’t mean a child isn’t capable—it simply means they may need a different approach.

That’s where the Orton–Gillingham approach to reading instruction comes in.

What Is the Orton–Gillingham Approach?

Orton–Gillingham is a structured, multisensory way of teaching reading. Instead of relying on just seeing words on a page, students engage multiple senses at once. They might see a letter, say its sound out loud, trace it with their finger, or build it using physical materials.

This method is especially helpful for students who struggle with reading, including those with dyslexia or other language-based learning differences. By engaging the brain in more than one way, reading instruction becomes clearer and more meaningful.

Why Multisensory Learning Matters

In my experience, the biggest difference with Orton–Gillingham comes from the hands-on tools students use. Some children learn to read easily through traditional instruction. Others need to move, touch, hear, and see concepts repeatedly before they truly stick.

I’ve seen students use letter tiles, textured surfaces, writing tools, and movement-based activities to connect sounds and letters. For students who struggle, this multisensory approach often leads to breakthroughs that wouldn’t happen with worksheets alone.

It’s not about making learning flashy or complicated—it’s about meeting students where they are.

A Personal Perspective

Over the years, I’ve seen how powerful multisensory reading instruction can be. Students who once felt frustrated or discouraged begin to gain confidence. When reading clicks, their entire attitude toward learning changes.

The Orton–Gillingham approach allows students to slow down, build skills step by step, and experience success. For struggling readers, that success can be life-changing. It reminds them that they can learn and that they’re not behind—they’re just learning differently.

At Provo Mountain Academy, we believe every child deserves a reading approach that works for them. By using structured, multisensory instruction, we help students build strong reading skills and the confidence that comes with them.

Written by Scott Long, M.Ed., Co-Founder of Provo Mountain Academy