The Orton-Gillingham Approach
At The Sterling School, our instruction is rooted in the Orton-Gillingham (OG) Method, a proven, evidence-based approach designed specifically for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
What Is the Orton-Gillingham Method?
Developed in the 1930s by neuropsychiatrist Dr. Samuel Orton and educator Anna Gillingham, the OG Method is a structured, multisensory way of teaching reading, spelling, and writing.
It breaks language down into its foundational components, teaching students the connections between sounds (phonemes) and letters or letter combinations (graphemes), in a way that is:
Systematic – Concepts are introduced in a logical, meaningful order.
Sequential – Each lesson builds on previously learned material.
Explicit – Instruction is clear and direct, leaving nothing to guesswork.
Multisensory – Students engage through visual, auditory, and tactile pathways, helping reinforce learning in ways that stick.
Research has demonstrated that the OG Method has been especially effective for students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other language-processing challenges, providing them with the tools to become more confident, capable readers and communicators.
Supporting Students with ADHD
Many students with dyslexia also experience attention-related challenges such as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Understanding the intersection of these two learning profiles is essential to how we teach and support our students.
Children with ADHD may:
Struggle to stay on task and follow multi-step directions
Experience difficulty with organization and time management
Become easily distracted or frustrated during reading and writing tasks
Have trouble processing and retaining both written and spoken information
These challenges can impact academic performance and self-esteem. At Sterling, we understand that success begins with understanding the whole child, not just their diagnosis.
A Comprehensive, Individualized Approach
By combining Orton-Gillingham instruction with classroom routines and targeted supports, we help students with ADHD and dyslexia develop the tools they need to thrive. Our approach includes:
Multisensory instruction that engages focus and reinforces learning
Structured classrooms with predictable routines that reduce cognitive load
Built-in movement and brain breaks to support attention and regulation
Individualized strategies for organization, time management, and task initiation
With the right support, our students learn how to work with their brains—not against them—building resilience, independence, and a renewed sense of confidence.