Essential Orton-Gillingham Materials for Reading Success

For a child who struggles with reading, a page of text can feel like an impossible code. They might guess at words, rely on pictures, or simply shut down. The goal is to replace that frustration with a feeling of accomplishment. The Orton-Gillingham method does this by providing a clear, logical system for cracking the code of reading. This system is powered by a unique set of Orton-Gillingham materials that allow children to see, hear, and feel how words work. From physically building words with letter tiles to tracing their shapes in sand, these tools make learning stick. Here, we’ll cover the key materials that help build a bridge from effortful decoding to fluent, confident reading.

Key Takeaways

Embrace the Multisensory Approach: The power of Orton-Gillingham materials comes from engaging multiple senses. Actively use tools that let your child see, hear, and physically manipulate letters and sounds to make learning stick.
Build a Purposeful Toolkit: Instead of buying everything, focus on what your child needs right now. Start with essentials like letter cards and decodable readers, then add tools that target their specific hurdles, ensuring every material has a clear purpose.
Make Your Lessons Structured and Responsive: Follow a predictable lesson format to create security, but also pay close attention to your child’s progress. Use what you observe to adjust the next lesson, ensuring they are always supported and appropriately challenged.

What Are Orton-Gillingham Materials?

If you’re exploring ways to support a struggling reader, you’ve likely come across the Orton-Gillingham approach. Orton-Gillingham materials are simply the tools and resources used to teach reading and spelling with this method. Unlike standard worksheets, these materials are specifically designed for a structured, multisensory learning experience, which is particularly effective for children with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. The goal is to build a strong foundation in reading by breaking down language into its smallest parts and teaching it in a logical, step-by-step way.

What truly sets these materials apart is their hands-on, multisensory nature. The Orton-Gillingham approach recognizes that children learn in different ways, so it engages sight, sound, and touch simultaneously to help concepts stick. For example, a child might see a letter card (visual), say the letter’s sound out loud (auditory), and trace its shape on a textured surface (tactile-kinesthetic). This process creates multiple pathways in the brain, making it easier for the child to retain information about letters and sounds.

Common Orton-Gillingham materials include things like letter tiles for building words, sand or shaving cream trays for tracing, and decodable books that only use phonetic patterns the child has already learned. Each tool is intentionally simple and focused, designed to help a child master one skill at a time without feeling overwhelmed. Programs like our PRIDE Reading Program use a curated set of these materials to guide students from understanding basic sound-symbol relationships to reading fluently and confidently.

8 Essential Orton-Gillingham Materials for Your Toolkit

Getting started with Orton-Gillingham can feel like you need a whole classroom’s worth of supplies, but you don’t need to buy everything at once. The most effective approach is to build a core toolkit of high-impact materials that support the multisensory, structured, and sequential nature of the method. These are the foundational items that tutors, including our team at PRIDE, rely on to help students make real, lasting progress. Think of these eight essentials as the building blocks of your child’s reading success. Each one serves a specific purpose in making abstract concepts like letter sounds and word structures concrete and understandable for a struggling reader.

1. Multisensory Letter Cards

These are far more than your average flashcards. Multisensory letter cards are designed to create strong connections in the brain by engaging sight, sound, and touch simultaneously. A card for the letter ‘b’ might have a raised, textured surface that a child can trace while saying the letter’s name and sound. This tactile feedback helps cement the letter’s shape and corresponding sound in their memory. This process, often called the ‘three-part drill,’ is a daily practice in Orton-Gillingham that builds a solid foundation for reading and spelling, making letter recognition automatic and effortless over time.

2. Decodable Readers

Decodable readers are a game-changer for building confidence. Unlike many early readers that contain unpredictable words, these books are carefully written using only the phonetic patterns and sight words your child has already been taught. For example, if a child has learned the sounds for s, a, t, p, i, n, they might read a book with words like ‘Pat sat on a pin.’ This controlled approach eliminates the need for guessing and allows your child to practice their decoding skills successfully. It proves to them that they can read, turning frustration into a feeling of accomplishment and making them more eager to pick up a book.

3. Phoneme-Grapheme Mapping Boards

This tool helps make the invisible visible. A phoneme is the smallest unit of sound in a word (like the /k/ sound), and a grapheme is the letter or letters that represent it (c, k, or ck). A mapping board, often a simple grid, gives students a space to physically map these out. They’ll listen to a word, break it into its individual sounds, and then place a counter or write the corresponding grapheme in each box. This hands-on activity makes the abstract process of segmenting and blending concrete, helping students internalize how sounds and letters work together to form words.

4. Syllable Division Cards

Big, multisyllabic words can be overwhelming for any reader, especially one who struggles. Syllable division cards and activities teach students the rules for breaking long words into smaller, more manageable chunks. By learning to spot patterns—like finding two consonants between vowels or identifying a vowel-consonant-e pattern—students gain a reliable strategy for decoding words like ‘fantastic’ or ‘reptile.’ This skill is crucial for moving beyond basic, one-syllable words and is a key focus in our online tutoring sessions. It empowers students to confidently tackle grade-level texts without feeling intimidated by the length of the words.

5. Morphology Workbooks

Morphology is the study of word parts, and it’s a superpower for readers. Morphology workbooks and activities focus on teaching the meanings of prefixes (like ‘re-‘ or ‘pre-‘), suffixes (like ‘-ful’ or ‘-tion’), and Latin and Greek roots. When a child understands that ‘hydro’ relates to water, they can make an educated guess about words like ‘hydrate’ or ‘hydroplane.’ This shifts the focus from memorizing individual words to understanding the building blocks of our language. It dramatically expands a child’s vocabulary and gives them the tools to figure out the meaning of unfamiliar words they encounter in more complex texts.

6. Fluency Passages

Reading fluency is about more than just speed—it’s about reading with accuracy, smoothness, and expression. Fluency passages provide targeted practice on this skill. These are often short, engaging texts that a student can read and re-read to build their confidence and automaticity. For students with dyslexia, the visual presentation of text matters immensely. Research from Readability Matters shows that adjusting the font, size, and spacing can significantly improve reading performance. Using well-designed fluency passages helps a child move from choppy, effortful decoding to smooth, comprehensive reading, which makes the entire experience more enjoyable.

7. Spelling Rule Charts

The English language can seem full of random, frustrating spelling rules. Spelling rule charts help bring order to the chaos. In the Orton-Gillingham method, spelling rules are taught directly and systematically. A chart might visually explain the ‘Floss Rule’ (doubling f, l, and s at the end of short-vowel, one-syllable words) or when to use ‘ck’ versus ‘k’ at the end of a word. Having these visual aids handy serves as a constant reference point, reinforcing the logic behind spelling. This is a core component of the Orton-Gillingham approach, as it builds a deep understanding that helps with both spelling in writing and recognizing patterns when reading.

8. Hands-On Manipulatives

Getting hands-on is essential for making learning stick. Manipulatives are physical items that allow students to build, move, and interact with letters and words. This can include magnetic letter tiles for the fridge, colorful wooden blocks with letters, or even just paper squares with graphemes written on them. The act of physically moving tiles to spell a word—for example, changing ‘cat’ to ‘bat’—provides powerful kinesthetic feedback that reinforces the phonics lesson. This tactile experience is especially critical for young learners and those who struggle with abstract concepts. It’s a key reason our hybrid tutoring model works so well, blending digital tools with physical materials.

How to Choose the Right Orton-Gillingham Materials

With so many options available, picking the right materials can feel like a huge task. But it doesn’t have to be. By focusing on a few key principles, you can confidently select tools that will truly support your child’s reading journey. The best materials are not just about flashcards and workbooks; they are about creating a learning experience that clicks with your child.

What to Look For

When you’re evaluating different options, prioritize materials that are multi-sensory, systematic, and sequential. The core of the Orton-Gillingham approach is engaging multiple senses at once. This means materials should involve sight, sound, and touch to help cement concepts in your child’s mind. A systematic and sequential structure is also vital. This ensures that lessons build on each other in a logical order, starting with the simplest concepts and gradually moving to more complex ones. This prevents gaps in understanding and builds a solid foundation for reading success.

Match Materials to Your Child’s Needs

Every child’s reading struggle is unique. That’s why it’s so important to find materials that address their specific challenges. A child who has trouble with phonological awareness will need different tools than one who struggles with decoding multi-syllable words. Understanding your child’s specific learning profile is the first step. If you’re unsure where their primary difficulties lie, working with a specialized tutor can provide clarity. A professional assessment can pinpoint the exact areas needing support, ensuring the materials you choose are perfectly tailored to their needs.

Select Age-Appropriate Tools

The right materials should also match your child’s age and developmental stage. For younger learners, look for colorful, hands-on tools that feel more like play than work. Think sand trays for tracing letters or brightly colored phonogram cards. For older students, you’ll want resources that feel more mature and respectful of their age. This might include structured workbooks with age-appropriate topics and more advanced decodable texts. The goal is to find resources that capture their interest and keep them motivated, no matter their age.

Top Brands for Orton-Gillingham Materials

When you start looking for Orton-Gillingham materials, you’ll quickly find several established brands and programs. While they all share the same core principles—structured, sequential, cumulative, and multisensory instruction—each has a unique approach and set of materials. Think of it like this: all of these programs are teaching the same subject, but they use slightly different textbooks and lesson plans. Some are designed for one-on-one tutoring at home, while others are built for classroom settings. Some require extensive teacher training, and others come with scripted lessons that a dedicated parent can follow.

Choosing the right brand often comes down to your child’s specific needs, your teaching environment, and your own comfort level. You don’t have to feel overwhelmed by the options. The great news is that there are high-quality, research-backed programs available to support your child’s journey to becoming a confident reader. We’ve gathered some of the most respected names in the Orton-Gillingham world to help you understand what makes each one effective. By exploring these top brands, you can find the tools and curriculum that best align with your child’s learning style and your family’s goals for their reading success. Our tutors are experienced in using these methods to provide personalized online tutoring that truly makes a difference.

Pride Reading Program

The Pride Reading Program is a fantastic option for parents and tutors looking for a clear, easy-to-follow system. It’s an Orton-Gillingham-based program that we use with our own students because of its effectiveness and accessibility. As one review notes, “The Pride Reading Program is designed to provide a structured approach to reading instruction, focusing on phonemic awareness and decoding skills, which are essential for students with dyslexia.” The lessons are scripted, which takes the guesswork out of instruction and ensures the method is delivered correctly. This program is broken down into manageable, step-by-step units that build on each other, making it a great choice for providing consistent, high-quality in-home tutoring.

Wilson Reading System

The Wilson Reading System is a powerhouse in the world of structured literacy and is widely used in schools. It’s an intensive Tier 3 program for students who need more support than what’s offered in the general classroom. According to a comparison of Orton-Gillingham reading programs, “The Wilson Reading System is a comprehensive program that emphasizes the structure of the English language and is designed for students with language-based learning disabilities.” It places a strong emphasis on morphology and the six syllable types, helping students understand the underlying patterns in English. Because of its depth, instructors typically need to be certified to teach the program effectively, making it a common choice for district school tutoring.

Barton Reading & Spelling System

The Barton Reading & Spelling System is another highly respected program, especially popular among parents and private tutors. It is explicitly designed for one-on-one instruction, making it a perfect fit for individualized support. The system is praised for its thoroughness, with one source stating, “The Barton Reading & Spelling System is a one-on-one tutoring program that is specifically designed for students with dyslexia, focusing on phonics and spelling.” Its lessons are scripted and use color-coded letter tiles to provide a strong multisensory experience. The program is sequential, and students must master each level before moving on, ensuring there are no gaps in their learning.

Sonday System

The Sonday System is known for its flexibility and user-friendly design, making it a practical choice for both teachers in small groups and tutors working individually. It was created by a certified Orton-Gillingham tutor who wanted to make the approach more accessible. The program effectively “integrates phonics instruction with reading and writing, making it suitable for students with dyslexia.” Its multisensory lessons are straightforward and don’t require extensive preparation time, which is a huge benefit for busy educators and parents. The Sonday System provides clear lesson plans and materials that guide the instructor through each step of the process, making it a solid option for various learning environments.

Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes

While not a traditional Orton-Gillingham program, Lindamood-Bell’s methods are highly compatible and focus on the foundational skills essential for reading. Their programs are unique because they target the underlying sensory-cognitive functions that can cause reading difficulties. As noted in a program comparison, “Lindamood-Bell offers programs that focus on developing the underlying skills necessary for reading, including phonemic awareness and comprehension.” For example, their Visualizing and Verbalizing® program helps students develop mental imagery for comprehension, while the LiPS® program develops phonemic awareness. These programs can be a powerful supplement to or an alternative for students needing a different approach.

IMSE (Institute for Multi-Sensory Education)

IMSE is a major provider of both Orton-Gillingham training and materials, particularly for schools and educators. They have been instrumental in bringing the OG approach into mainstream classrooms through their comprehensive teacher training programs. Their philosophy is that all children can benefit from a structured, multisensory approach to literacy. As their website shows, “IMSE provides a variety of educational products and training focused on the Orton-Gillingham approach, emphasizing multi-sensory learning.” From sound decks and decodable readers to digital tools, their materials are designed to be integrated directly into any OG-based lesson plan, whether online or in person.

W.V.C.ED (William Van Cleave)

William Van Cleave’s materials are a go-to resource for many experienced Orton-Gillingham tutors and teachers. Rather than offering a complete curriculum, W.V.C.ED provides supplemental workbooks, templates, and activities that target specific skills. According to the company, “W.V.C.ED offers a range of Orton-Gillingham based materials, including workbooks and sound decks, designed to support reading instruction for students with dyslexia.” These resources are perfect for reinforcing concepts like morphology, sentence structure, and grammar. Tutors often use these materials to add depth to their lessons and provide students with extra practice in challenging areas.

How to Compare Different Orton-Gillingham Programs

Choosing an Orton-Gillingham program can feel like a huge decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The goal isn’t to find the one “best” program, but to find the one that’s the best fit for your child and your family. Different programs have unique strengths, and what works wonders for one child might not click with another. When you’re weighing your options, it helps to have a clear framework for what to look for.

Focus on three key areas: what other parents and educators are saying, whether the program is backed by solid research, and how easily it can be adapted to your child’s specific needs. A program might have fantastic materials, but if it’s too rigid or isn’t supported by evidence, it may not deliver the results you’re hoping for. By looking at reviews, research, and flexibility, you can confidently compare different systems and find a path that supports your child’s journey to becoming a confident reader. This is the same approach our expert tutors use to create personalized learning plans for every student.

Read User Reviews and Testimonials

Before you commit to a program, see what other parents and teachers have to say. User reviews and testimonials offer a window into how a program works in a real-world setting—not just in a clinical trial. Look for detailed feedback on forums, social media groups, and review websites. Do parents mention that their kids are more engaged? Do they share specific examples of progress in reading or spelling? This kind of firsthand insight is invaluable. While every child’s experience is unique, hearing from others who have used the materials can help you gauge whether a program’s teaching style and pace will be a good match for your child’s personality and learning needs.

Look for Research-Backed Programs

When you see a program described as “research-backed” or “evidence-based,” it means its methods have been studied and proven effective. This is a critical factor to consider. You want to invest your time and resources into an approach that has a track record of success. Reputable Orton-Gillingham programs should be able to point to studies or data that support their claims. Research shows that well-designed Orton-Gillingham interventions can lead to significant improvements in reading skills for students with dyslexia and other learning challenges. A program rooted in science gives you the confidence that you’re using a reliable and structured method designed to create lasting change.

Check for Adaptability

Every child learns differently, so a one-size-fits-all curriculum is rarely the answer. The best Orton-Gillingham programs are designed to be flexible. Adaptability means the instructor can modify lessons to meet a student exactly where they are. Look for programs that offer tailored approaches and a variety of materials to keep lessons fresh and engaging. A program should allow you to slow down to reinforce a tricky concept or speed up when your child masters a skill. This flexibility ensures the instruction remains challenging but not frustrating, creating a positive learning environment where your child can thrive and build confidence.

Where to Find Orton-Gillingham Materials

Once you know what you’re looking for, finding high-quality Orton-Gillingham materials is easier than you might think. From large online marketplaces to specialized educational stores, there are plenty of places to source the tools you need to support your child’s reading journey. The key is to know where to look and how to spot resources that are genuinely aligned with the OG approach. Whether you’re looking for a complete curriculum or just a few supplementary items, these are the best places to start your search.

Online Retailers

For sheer convenience and variety, it’s hard to beat major online retailers. You can find a surprisingly wide selection of Orton-Gillingham materials on Amazon, from flashcards and decodable books to sand trays and phonics games. The vast number of products shows just how popular this teaching method has become. While shopping on a large platform is convenient, be sure to read product descriptions and user reviews carefully. This will help you verify that the materials are high-quality and truly multisensory, ensuring they align with the core principles of the OG method.

Specialty Educational Stores

If you prefer a more curated shopping experience, specialty educational stores are a fantastic option. These retailers focus specifically on tools for teachers and parents, so their catalogs are often filled with expertly vetted resources. For example, stores like the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) offer a range of educational products for teachers, including workbooks, lesson planners, and multisensory items designed to support an Orton-Gillingham approach. Shopping at these stores gives you confidence that the materials are effective and created with educators and students in mind.

Direct from Program Creators

One of the best ways to ensure you’re getting authentic, high-quality materials is to buy them directly from the people who create OG-based programs. Many organizations sell their resources through their own websites, giving you access to comprehensive kits that are designed to work together seamlessly. The Orton-Gillingham Marketplace is a great example, offering a hub where you can find everything from books and research articles to full training programs. This approach is perfect if you’re looking for a complete system or want to dive deeper into the methodology behind the tools.

Find Current Discounts and Promotions

Building a robust OG toolkit doesn’t have to break the bank. Many specialty stores and program creators run regular sales and promotions on their materials. It’s a great idea to sign up for newsletters from your favorite retailers to get notified about current discounts. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales, especially around back-to-school time. Additionally, many sites offer both physical and printable resources. Opting for digital, printable versions can be a very budget-friendly way to get the high-quality materials you need without the cost of shipping and manufacturing.

Find Budget-Friendly and Free OG Resources

Building a complete Orton-Gillingham toolkit can feel like a big investment, but it doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Supporting your child’s reading journey is the priority, and thankfully, you don’t need to buy every expensive program to do it effectively. The good news is that a wealth of high-quality, effective resources are available for free or at a very low cost. You just need to know where to find them. By tapping into printable worksheets, exploring digital tools, and getting a little creative with DIY projects, you can assemble a fantastic collection of materials that will make a real difference.

These budget-friendly options are perfect for supplementing a core program or for creating a rich, multisensory learning environment at home. This approach not only saves money but also allows you to customize activities to your child’s interests and specific learning challenges, making the process more personal and engaging. When your child sees you creating something just for them, it can make the learning feel special and less like a chore. Let’s walk through some of the best places to find these affordable resources so you can get started right away.

Printable Materials

Printable materials are a fantastic way to get hands-on resources quickly and affordably. Many organizations and educators provide free or low-cost downloads that you can print right at home. Foundational texts like The Gillingham Manual are filled with structured lesson components that can be adapted into printable formats. You can find worksheets for phonics practice, syllable division charts, and templates for creating your own decodable word lists. Many websites dedicated to literacy also offer free printable resources that align perfectly with the OG approach, giving you instant access to quality materials.

Online Tools and Apps

For a modern and engaging twist, a variety of online tools and apps can supplement your OG instruction without a hefty price tag. Marketplaces for educators are treasure troves of affordable, high-quality materials designed by teachers who are in the trenches every day. You can find everything from complete lesson plans to interactive digital workbooks on sites like Teachers Pay Teachers. Additionally, many free or low-cost phonics apps for tablets and smartphones can turn practice into playtime, reinforcing concepts like letter sounds and blending in a fun, interactive way.

Create Your Own DIY Materials

Feeling creative? Making your own materials is not only the most budget-friendly option, but it also allows you to perfectly tailor tools to your child’s specific needs and interests. The heart of Orton-Gillingham is its multisensory approach, which is easy to replicate with simple household items. Think sandpaper letters for tactile feedback, color-coded flashcards for syllable types, or simple word-sorting games using index cards. This hands-on method makes abstract concepts concrete and memorable. You can find endless DIY intervention ideas online to spark your imagination and build a truly personalized toolkit.

Solve Common Challenges with OG Materials

The Orton-Gillingham approach is incredibly effective, but that doesn’t mean you won’t hit a few bumps in the road. It’s completely normal to face challenges when introducing new learning materials, and it’s a sign that you’re tuned in to your child’s experience. The key is knowing how to work through these moments to keep their learning journey on track and positive. Let’s look at a few common hurdles and how you can clear them with confidence.

Keep Your Child Engaged

Let’s be honest: the structured, repetitive nature of Orton-Gillingham can sometimes feel a bit dry to a child. If you notice your student’s attention wandering, it’s time to add a little fun. Turn drills into games with a timer or a point system. Use colorful, tactile manipulatives like magnetic letters or sand trays to make multisensory practice more exciting. The delivery makes all the difference, and an instructor’s ability to make the lesson personal and engaging is crucial. Remember to celebrate every small victory to keep motivation high and show your child how much progress they’re making.

Tailor Materials for Individual Needs

Orton-Gillingham is not a one-size-fits-all program. Its greatest strength is its ability to be customized to a student’s unique profile. If a certain material isn’t clicking, it might not be the right fit for your child’s specific challenge. Take a step back and assess what they need most right now. Is it help with syllable division? Or maybe they need more practice with specific vowel teams? You can find tools that target your child’s specific learning needs through organizations like the International Dyslexia Association. Matching the material to the need is the secret to making real, lasting progress.

Use Materials Without Needing Extensive Training

Feeling like you need a special degree to use OG materials? You don’t. Many programs and tools are designed specifically for parents and tutors to use without formal certification. The most important thing is to follow the program’s structured and sequential format consistently. However, if you feel overwhelmed or want to ensure your child gets the most out of every lesson, working with a trained professional can be a game-changer. Our tutors are experts in the OG method and can create a personalized plan, taking the pressure off you. Our online tutoring provides that expert support right from your home.

Tips for Using Orton-Gillingham Materials Effectively

Having a great set of Orton-Gillingham materials is the first step, but the real magic happens in how you use them. Simply owning the tools won’t create progress; it’s the consistent, thoughtful application that helps your child build lasting reading skills. Think of it like having a kitchen full of high-end cooking gear—you still need the right techniques to make a delicious meal. The same is true for teaching reading.

The goal is to create a learning experience that is not only effective but also positive and encouraging. When your child feels supported and successful, they are more likely to stay engaged and motivated. These tips are designed to help you get the most out of your materials, whether you’re working with a formal program or using a collection of DIY resources. If you ever feel like you need more support, working with a trained professional can provide the expert guidance to bring these strategies to life. Our online tutoring services, for example, are built around implementing these very techniques with care and precision.

Incorporate Multisensory Techniques

The Orton-Gillingham approach is famous for its use of multisensory techniques, and for good reason. This method engages multiple senses at once—typically sight, sound, and touch—to help cement concepts in a child’s brain. When a child sees a letter, says its sound, and traces its shape in sand simultaneously, they are creating multiple pathways for that information to be stored and retrieved. This is especially powerful for students with dyslexia, as it helps bypass weaker processing areas. You can easily bring this into your lessons by using sand or shaving cream trays for writing, tapping out syllables on an arm, or using textured letter cards. The key is to make learning a hands-on, active experience.

Structure Lessons for Maximum Impact

Consistency is your best friend when teaching a struggling reader. A structured, predictable lesson format helps reduce anxiety and allows your child to focus their mental energy on learning. Each session should follow a similar pattern, typically starting with a quick review of previously learned skills before introducing a single new concept. This structured and sequential method ensures your child is building on a solid foundation, moving from simple ideas to more complex ones at a manageable pace. For example, you might always start with a three-minute flashcard drill of old sounds, then introduce one new sound, practice reading words with it, and end with writing a few dictated sentences. This routine builds confidence and makes learning feel safe and achievable.

Track Progress and Adjust as You Go

Orton-Gillingham is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it is diagnostic and prescriptive. This means you should constantly be observing your child to see what’s working and where they might be stumbling. Regular assessment doesn’t have to be formal or stressful. It can be as simple as keeping a small notebook where you jot down words they struggled with or concepts that finally clicked. This information is invaluable because it allows you to tailor the next lesson directly to your child’s needs. If they’ve mastered short ‘a’ words, it’s time to move on. If they’re still confusing ‘b’ and ‘d,’ you know to spend more time on that with multisensory practice. This responsive approach ensures your child is always working at the perfect level of challenge.

How to Organize and Store Your OG Materials

An effective Orton-Gillingham lesson relies on having the right materials ready at a moment’s notice. When you’re organized, you can move seamlessly from one activity to the next, keeping your child focused and engaged. A cluttered space can be distracting, so creating a system that works for you is one of the best things you can do to support your lessons.

Start by creating a dedicated home for all your OG tools. This doesn’t have to be a whole room; a designated bookshelf, a cabinet, or a rolling cart will do the trick. Having one central spot for everything makes setup and cleanup much faster. From there, sort your materials into categories. Many educators find success using a file crate with hanging folders to separate worksheets and passages. You can also use clear, labeled bins for hands-on items like letter tiles, sand trays, and syllable cards. This way, you can grab exactly what you need without having to search through a pile.

If you’re a tutor who travels or a parent who likes to change up the learning environment, a portable kit is essential. A sturdy tote bag or small rolling cart can be a lifesaver, especially for tutors providing in-home tutoring who need to bring their entire toolkit with them. Finally, consider giving your child their own pencil case with their specific writing tools. This not only keeps things tidy but also helps them feel a sense of ownership and excitement about their learning materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy all eight of these materials to get started? Not at all. It’s easy to feel like you need a full classroom setup, but you can start effectively with just a few core items. I’d suggest beginning with multisensory letter cards and a simple sand or salt tray for tracing. These support the foundational practice of connecting sight, sound, and touch. You can gradually add other tools, like decodable readers, as you pinpoint the specific areas where your child needs the most support.

What’s the difference between buying these materials myself and working with a tutor? Think of it this way: the materials are the ingredients, but a trained tutor is the chef who knows the recipe. While using these tools at home for practice is wonderful, an expert tutor brings the diagnostic and prescriptive element that is central to Orton-Gillingham. They can assess your child’s specific challenges, customize the lesson plan in real-time, and ensure the method is delivered with the right pacing and structure to build a truly solid foundation.

How quickly should I expect to see progress once we start using these materials? Progress with Orton-Gillingham is a marathon, not a sprint. Because the method works by systematically rebuilding a child’s understanding of language from the ground up, you’ll likely notice small, consistent gains first. A child might master a new sound or correctly spell a word they always missed. These small wins are the building blocks. True fluency and confidence take time and consistent practice, so patience is a key part of the process.

My child is an older student. Will these materials seem too young for them? This is a very common and important concern. While some classic OG tools are geared toward younger kids, the method itself is powerful for all ages. For older students, you can easily adapt the materials to feel more mature. Instead of colorful phonics games, you might focus on morphology workbooks that explore Greek and Latin roots. You can also use more advanced decodable texts with age-appropriate storylines and swap sand trays for notebooks or whiteboards for word-building activities.

Can these materials help a child who struggles with reading but hasn’t been diagnosed with dyslexia? Yes, absolutely. The Orton-Gillingham approach is essentially a very clear, logical, and direct way of teaching the structure of the English language. Its multisensory and systematic methods are beneficial for any student who finds reading and spelling difficult, regardless of whether they have a formal diagnosis. It provides the explicit instruction that many struggling readers need but may not have received in a typical classroom setting.