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Orton-Gillingham:
The proven method behind real reading success
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WHAT IS ORTON-GILLINGHAM?
A Proven Instructional Approach
Orton-Gillingham (OG) is not a single curriculum. It's an evidence-based method of teaching reading and spelling, developed by neuropsychiatrist Samuel Orton and educator Anna Gillingham specifically for students who struggle with traditional instruction.
Recommended by the International Dyslexia Association, OG forms the foundation of structured literacy — the science-of-reading framework now reshaping how schools approach reading instruction nationwide.
Structured literacy means every foundational skill is taught explicitly, sequentially, and cumulatively - nothing is assumed, skipped, or left to chance.
BARTON IS IN THE OG FAMILY
Several programs follow the Orton-Gillingham approach. Each uses the same structured literacy principles, but they differ in how instruction is delivered.
Barton Reading & Spelling System
Our primary program, teaches reading and spelling together in 10 structured levels. Certified specialists only.
Our primary program
Other Orton-Gillingham Programs
Wilson Reading System, All About Reading & Spelling, IMSE, SPIRE, and PRIDE Reading are also structured literacy programs that follow the OG approach with systematic, explicit instruction.
WHY IT WORKS
What Makes OG Different From General Tutoring
Most reading instruction focuses on outcomes. Orton-Gillingham focuses on process—teaching how the language actually works.
Instead of relying on memorization or context clues, students learn the structure behind words. This creates clarity, confidence, and skills that transfer across every reading and spelling task.
THE FIVE PILLARS OF OG INSTRUCTION
The Method Behind the Results
Orton-Gillingham is defined by a specific set of instructional principles. When these are followed consistently, students build strong, lasting reading and spelling skills instead of short-term progress.
Multisensory
Students see, say, hear, and touch simultaneously, using letter tiles, finger-spelling, and movement to build stronger neural connections for reading and spelling.
Explicit & Direct
Nothing is left to discovery or guessing. Rules are clearly and directly taught so students know exactly why words are spelled and pronounced the way they are.
Structured & Sequential
Concepts are taught in a deliberate order, each building on the last. No new skill is introduced until the previous one is fully solid and mastered.
Cumulative
Skills are never considered "finished." Every lesson revisits what came before, so knowledge continues to build and stick rather than fading between sessions.
Diagnostic & Individualized
Every lesson is adjusted based on how the student is responding — not a fixed script. At Hammond Bell, this individualization is built into every single session.
THE BARTON READING & SPELLING SYSTEM
Our Primary OG Program
Why We Chose It
The Barton system was designed by dyslexia specialist Susan Barton to teach reading and spelling together — because they're deeply connected skills that many programs treat separately. Hammond Bell tutors are certified in Barton and implement it across 10 carefully scaffolded levels.
Level 1
Phonemic
Awareness
Level 6
Six Reasons for Silent-E
Level 2
Consonants & Short Vowels
Level 7
Vowel-R's
(er, ir, ur, ar, or)
Level 3
Closed & Unit Syllables
Level 8
Advanced Vowel Teams
Level 4
Multi-Syllable & Vowel Teams
Level 9
Foreign Langue Influence
Level 5
Prefixes & Suffixes
Level 10
Latin Roots & Greek Forms
10
Structured levels
2x/wk
Minimum session frequency
HS level
Reading goal at completion
WHY HAMMOND BELL
OG Done Differently
Many tutors use Orton-Gillingham. Fewer deliver it in a way students actually want to show up for. Here's what sets our approach apart.
TYPICAL OG TUTORING
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Can feel dry and repetitive over time
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Moves to new skills on a fixed schedule
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Video-based or pre-recorded activities
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Limited visibility for parents between sessions
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Reading and spelling taught separately
HAMMOND BELL APPROACH
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Game-based, engaging: never dry
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Mastery-based pacing: we move when they're ready
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Live, interactive, student-led: every session
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Weekly communication: parents always know progress
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Reading and spelling taught cohesively, together
COMMON QUESTIONS
What Parents Want to Know
Ready to find out if this is the right fit?
Every student is different. A free consultation helps us understand where your child is, what they need, and whether Hammond Bell is the right match — no commitment required.
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