In today’s blog post, we’ll look at 5 signs your child may benefit from Orton-Gillingham tutoring. If your child is struggling with reading and spelling, you’re not alone. On average, students in America are half a grade level behind pre-pandemic levels in reading. While many parents are told by teachers to be patient and trust the process, waiting to begin interventions can put your student even further behind.

If your child is struggling with literacy, it may signal the need for a more specialized approach than what their classroom teacher can offer.

The Orton-Gillingham (OG) method is a structured, multisensory approach designed to help students—particularly those with dyslexia—develop strong reading and spelling skills. This research-based technique breaks language down into manageable parts, ensuring students gain confidence and mastery at their own pace (Henry, 2009).

Recognizing early signs of reading difficulties is the first step in supporting your child’s success. Below are five signs that your child would likely benefit from Orton-Gillingham tutoring.

1. Difficulty with Reading or Spelling

Signs:

• Struggles with reading fluency, frequent spelling errors, or difficulty decoding words.
• Difficulty recognizing sight words or sounding out unfamiliar words.

Why OG Helps:

Orton-Gillingham instruction focuses on phonemic awareness—helping children break down words into sounds and patterns. Research shows that explicit phonics instruction is crucial for children with dyslexia or other reading difficulties (Ehri, Nunes, Willows, et al., 2001). OG tutoring provides systematic and repetitive practice, reinforcing the connections between letters and sounds.

👉 Consider getting a dyslexia screening if your child frequently struggles with reading fluency or spelling. Strive Learning Solutions offers the cheapest dyslexia screenings you’ll find! Inquire today to learn more.

2. Slow Progress in School Despite Effort

Signs:

• Your child works hard but still struggles to catch up with peers in reading and writing.
• Frustration or anxiety about schoolwork, despite putting in extra effort.

Why OG Helps:

Unlike traditional reading programs, Orton-Gillingham tutoring is individualized, moving at a pace tailored to the child’s needs. It reinforces concepts through multisensory techniques—such as tracing letters in sand or tapping out syllables—helping children retain and apply what they learn.

Additionally, we frequently incorporate growth mindset strategies into our Orton-Gillingham sessions, helping students develop perseverance and resilience. Studies suggest that students who believe their abilities can improve with effort are more likely to succeed academically (Dweck, 2006).

👉 If you haven’t already, I strongly encourage you to read Mindset by Carol Dweck. 

3. Avoidance of Reading or Writing Tasks

Signs:

• Refusing to read aloud or complete written assignments.
• Expressing frustration, tears, or avoidance when faced with reading tasks.

Why OG Helps:

For many children, struggling with reading can lead to anxiety or low self-esteem. This creates a negative feedback loop: I don’t like reading because I’m not good at it. Because I’m not good at it, I’m going to do it.

The multisensory nature of Orton-Gillingham makes learning more engaging and reduces frustration. Hands-on activities, movement-based learning, and scaffolded instruction create a positive, encouraging environment that has been proven to build student confidence over time.

4. Difficulty with Phonological Awareness

Signs:

• Trouble identifying rhyming words, blending sounds, or segmenting syllables.
• Difficulty distinguishing between similar-sounding words.

Why OG Helps:

Phonological awareness—the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in words—is a fundamental skill for reading success. OG instruction explicitly teaches phonemic awareness through auditory, visual, and tactile methods, ensuring children internalize these critical skills.

This is one of the skills we screen for with our dyslexia screener. Mention this blog post, and we’ll screen your child for free!

5. Family History of Learning Differences

Signs:

• A family history of dyslexia, reading difficulties, or other language-based learning differences.

Why OG Helps:

Dyslexia often runs in families, and early intervention can help mitigate its effects. The Orton-Gillingham approach is one of the most effective methods for teaching children with dyslexia how to read. Research supports OG as a highly effective, evidence-based strategy for structured literacy instruction (IDA, 2019).

Conclusion

Recognizing these 5 signs your child may benefit from Orton-Gillingham tutoring can help parents take proactive steps in supporting their child’s literacy development. Orton-Gillingham tutoring provides structured, multisensory learning that is tailored to each student’s needs, helping them build essential reading and spelling skills with confidence.

If your child is showing signs of reading difficulties, an assessment by a qualified professional can provide clarity and guidance on the next steps. Though dyslexia can never be cured or grown out of, early intervention can make a significant difference in your child’s academic success and self-esteem in the long run.

Are you tired of watching your child struggle as a reader? With cheaper rates than many other less-qualified tutoring agencies, Strive Learning Solutions has a great team dyslexia specialists that would love to partner with you to support your child in their reading for a fraction of the cost.

To ensure your child is getting the best possible academic support, book your free consultation or inquire today.