If you’re homeschooling a child with dyslexia, ADHD, or other reading challenges, you’ve likely come across the term Orton-Gillingham (OG). But what is it, and why is it so effective for struggling readers?
In this post, I’ll break down the Orton-Gillingham approach in simple terms, explain why it works for special needs learners, and recommend the best OG-based reading and spelling programs for homeschooling.
What is the Orton-Gillingham Approach?
The Orton-Gillingham (OG) approach is a structured, multi-sensory way of teaching reading, spelling, and writing. It was designed specifically for dyslexic learners, but it benefits any child who struggles with literacy.
Key Features of OG-Based Learning:
✔️ Explicit – Directly teaches phonics rules instead of expecting kids to “pick them up.”
✔️ Systematic – Follows a step-by-step order, ensuring no gaps in learning.
✔️ Multi-sensory – Uses visual (seeing), auditory (hearing), and kinesthetic (touching/moving) methods to reinforce learning.
✔️ Sequential & Cumulative – Lessons build on previous ones, ensuring mastery.
✔️ Diagnostic & Individualized – Adjusts to the child’s pace and needs.
Why it works for special needs: Many children with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and processing disorders struggle with traditional reading instruction. OG removes guesswork, making reading predictable and approachable.
The Best Orton-Gillingham-Based Programs for Homeschooling
Here’s a breakdown of OG-based programs and how to choose the right one for your child.
1. Barton Reading & Spelling System
Visit Barton Reading & Spelling
✔ Best for: Dyslexic learners who need a parent-led, scripted program
✔ Why it works:
- Completely OG-based, step-by-step, and multi-sensory
- Designed for homeschool parents (no teaching experience required)
- Includes hands-on activities to reinforce learning
📌 My recommendation: Barton is one of the best home-based OG programs, especially for kids who need direct instruction from a parent.
2. Wilson Reading System
Visit Wilson Reading
✔ Best for: Older students (grade 2+) needing structured phonics-based intervention
✔ Why it works:
- A direct, intensive phonics program
- Includes fluency and comprehension strategies
- Often used in schools and tutoring centers
📌 My recommendation: Wilson is great for older struggling readers but may require training for parents to teach it effectively at home.
3. Logic of English
Visit Logic of English
✔ Best for: Parents wanting a user-friendly OG program that includes grammar & handwriting
✔ Why it works:
- Combines phonics, spelling, grammar, and handwriting
- Offers hands-on games and movement-based activities
- Available in multiple levels for all ages
📌 My recommendation: If you want an all-in-one OG-based reading, spelling, and language arts program, this is a great choice.
4. All About Reading & All About Spelling
Visit All About Reading
✔ Best for: Younger children and hands-on learners
✔ Why it works:
- Uses multi-sensory methods (games, letter tiles, tactile activities)
- Scripted and easy to teach for parents
- Teaches reading and spelling separately, making it less overwhelming
📌 My recommendation: If your child learns best with interactive, hands-on activities, this is an excellent OG-based alternative to Barton.
5. Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing (LiPS)
Visit Lindamood-Bell
✔ Best for: Kids struggling with phonemic awareness and speech sound processing
✔ Why it works:
- Focuses on how speech sounds feel in the mouth
- Great for severe dyslexia or speech delays
- Used in reading intervention clinics
📌 My recommendation: If your child struggles to hear and differentiate sounds, LiPS can be a game-changer. However, it requires parent training.
6. Reading Horizons Elevate & Discovery
Visit Reading Horizons
✔ Best for: Parents who want an independent, computer-based OG program
✔ Why it works:
- Self-paced, multi-sensory, and interactive
- Uses a color-coded phonics system to reinforce rules
- Available for younger children (Discovery) and older learners (Elevate)
📌 My recommendation: If your child prefers learning on a computer with less parent involvement, this is a solid OG-based digital option.
Which OG Program is Right for Your Child?
Choosing the best Orton-Gillingham (OG) reading program depends on your child’s needs, learning style, and how much time you, as the parent, can dedicate to instruction. Here are some recommendations based on different situations:
- If you need a structured, parent-led homeschool program designed specifically for dyslexia, Barton Reading & Spelling is one of the best choices. It’s fully scripted, easy for parents to use, and follows a step-by-step OG approach.
- If your child is an older struggling reader who needs an intensive phonics intervention, Wilson Reading System is an excellent choice, though it requires some training for parents.
- If you want a complete language arts curriculum that includes phonics, spelling, grammar, and handwriting, Logic of English is a great all-in-one solution. It’s interactive, multi-sensory, and ideal for parents who want everything in one package.
- If your child thrives with hands-on activities and a multi-sensory approach, All About Reading & All About Spelling are fantastic options. They incorporate letter tiles, tactile activities, and fun games to reinforce learning.
- If your child struggles with phonemic awareness or speech sound processing, LiPS (Lindamood Phoneme Sequencing) focuses on teaching how sounds feel in the mouth, making it great for kids with severe dyslexia or speech delays.
- If you prefer an independent, computer-based OG program, Reading Horizons (Discovery for younger kids, Elevate for older learners) allows children to work at their own pace while still using a structured phonics approach.
Each of these programs offers a strong foundation in structured literacy, helping children with dyslexia and other reading challenges gain confidence and fluency. The best program depends on your child’s specific needs and your teaching preferences!
Final Thoughts
The Orton-Gillingham approach is a proven, research-based method for helping struggling readers succeed. Whether your child has dyslexia, ADHD, or other reading challenges, these programs provide the structured, multi-sensory approach they need to build confidence and fluency.
Best OG Program for You?
- Need an easy-to-teach homeschool program? → Barton or All About Reading
- Want a full language arts curriculum? → Logic of English
- Have an older struggling reader? → Wilson or Reading Horizons
- Need extra phonemic awareness support? → LiPS
No single program works for every child, so don’t be afraid to mix and match!
Have you used an Orton-Gillingham reading program? Share your experience in the comments!
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