Watching your child struggle with reading can be stressful and discouraging. Many students with dyslexia or other learning challenges work very hard but still struggle with reading, spelling, and writing. Individualized Orton Gillingham tutoring in Orlando can provide the structured, research-based intervention that these students need to become confident, successful readers.
At Knowledge Plus Tutoring, we specialize in providing individualized Orton Gillingham instruction designed to help students strengthen their reading and writing skills, while developing confidence in their abilities.
What Is the Orton Gillingham Approach?
The Orton Gillingham approach is a research-based, multi-sensory method for teaching reading and spelling. It was originally developed for students with dyslexia, but all students who struggle with reading or spelling can benefit from this approach.
Unlike traditional reading tutoring, Orton Gillingham instruction focuses on:
- Direct decoding and spelling instruction
- Reading fluency development
- Multi-sensory tools
- Systematic reading skills development
- Individualized tutoring tailored to each student’s needs
Orton Gillingham lessons can help students grasp letter-sound relationships and learn how to decode and spell words accurately, while integrating visual, auditory, and tactile/kinesthetic modalities. This approach is considered by research to be one of the most effective methods for helping struggling readers.
Learn why the Orton Gillingham approach is considered one of the most effective methods for dyslexia intervention in our guide to what makes Orton Gillingham tutoring effective at What Makes Orton Gillingham Tutoring Effective? - Knowledge Plus Tutoring.
Benefits of Orton Gillingham Tutoring in Orlando
Orton Gillingham tutoring can help all students who struggle with reading. However, it is particularly beneficial for students who:
- Have dyslexia
- Struggle with decoding and spelling
- Have poor reading fluency
- Guess at words when attempting to read
- Reverse letters
- Struggle with writing
- Avoid reading
- Become easily frustrated with reading or writing tasks
Even very bright students can struggle with reading and benefit from this type of multi-sensory approach. Early intervention using a method like Orton Gillingham is critical, as reading can affect all aspects of school.
Parents who notice reading struggles early may benefit from reviewing the early signs of dyslexia by age and understanding when intervention can be helpful at Early Signs of Dyslexia by Age: A Parent’s Guide - Knowledge Plus Tutoring.
Signs Your Child May Need Specialized Reading Tutoring
Many families in Orlando seek tutoring for their child after noticing signs of challenge. These signs may include:
- Trouble sounding out words
- Slow, choppy reading
- Difficulty spelling words accurately
- Trouble remembering sight words
- Phonemic awareness challenges
- Reading avoidance
- Frustration with reading or writing assignments
- Poor self-esteem
It’s better to be proactive in seeking the right support for your child early, rather than waiting until the reading and writing demands at school rise.
Why Traditional Tutoring Is Not Always Effective
Traditional tutoring is not an ideal option for every child. It often focuses on homework help or review of classroom material. While this type of tutoring may offer some help, students with dyslexia and reading challenges usually need direct, explicit, systematic reading instruction that specially targets their areas of challenge.
Orton Gillingham tutoring in Orlando addresses:
- Phonemic awareness
- Decoding words
- Spelling words
- Reading fluency
- Reading comprehension
This structured, multi-sensory approach helps students develop stronger reading skills in a systematic, step-by-step manner.
If you are unsure whether your child needs specialized support, learn about when a child may benefit from a reading tutor and the warning signs to watch for at When Should a Child Get a Reading Tutor? Orlando & Boca Raton Guide.
Why Structured Literacy Works for Struggling Readers
Orton Gillingham instruction has many qualities that make it highly effective; one of these is its multi-sensory approach.
With this multi-sensory approach, students learn through:
- Seeing
- Hearing
- Touching
- Writing
- Speaking
- Movement
Using multiple senses simultaneously can help students improve their retention of concepts, which is particularly helpful for those who struggle with traditional teaching approaches. This type of instruction can also make lessons more engaging and enjoyable for children.
Why Orlando Parents Choose Orton Gillingham Tutoring
Many parents in Orlando look for specialized reading support for their child because they want:
- Individualized, one-on-one instruction
- Research-based intervention
- Effective, targeted tutoring
- Increased confidence with reading
- Stronger performance at school
- Fewer homework struggles
- Tutors with expertise working with neurodiverse students
As the academic demands of school increase, reading challenges can become more pronounced and can affect essentially all subject areas. Early remediation using the right approach can make a significant impact on your child’s long-term success.
Online and In-Person Dyslexia Tutoring Options
Many Orlando families choose online Orton Gillingham tutoring for their child because it offers:
- Flexible scheduling
- Access to specialized tutors who may not live in your geographic area
- No commuting time
- Individualized, one-on-one support
Some families prefer in-person tutoring, while others choose a hybrid of virtual and in-person tutoring, offering even more flexibility.
Using Step Up for Students Scholarships in Florida
Many families in Florida may not realize that Orton Gillingham tutoring may be covered through the Step Up for Students scholarship program. If your child has dyslexia, ADHD, a specific learning disability, or other learning challenges, these scholarships can help pay for Orton Gillingham tutoring and other academic remediation, provided either in-person or virtually.
Step Up for Students scholarships can help you access educational services and resources that can help your child excel academically. If your child qualifies, scholarship funds can be used for one-on-one reading intervention, individualized tutoring, educational materials, and other approved educational expenses.
You may be able to use Step Up for Students funding to pay for:
- Orton Gillingham tutoring
- Dyslexia intervention
- Reading remediation
- Writing tutoring
- Math support
- Executive functioning coaching
- Virtual tutoring
- Multi-sensory reading tutoring
If your child struggles with reading, this type of financial support can make it easier to begin tutoring early and maintain consistent instruction, which can be critical for long-term success.
Knowledge Plus Tutoring is a Step Up approved tutoring provider that specializes in providing individualized tutoring services to neurodiverse students through one-on-one, research-based multi-sensory instruction tailored to each student’s specific needs.
Why Parents Choose Knowledge Plus Tutoring
At Knowledge Plus Tutoring, we specialize in providing one-on-one tutoring to neurodiverse students, including those with dyslexia and other learning challenges through individualized, research-based instruction.
Our Orton Gillingham tutoring program focuses on:
- Decoding words
- Spelling accurately
- Reading fluency
- Writing development
- Reading comprehension
- Confidence building
We begin with an initial assessment to gauge your child’s specific needs and then create an individualized tutoring plan to remediate their areas of academic weakness. Sessions can take place in person at your home or virtually.
We provide in-person tutoring at homes in Winter Park, Lake Nona, Windermere, Oviedo, Winter Garden, and throughout Orange County.
The Importance of Early Reading Intervention
Reading difficulties generally don’t disappear without targeted intervention. The earlier students receive the right research-based tutoring, the easier it will be for them to build their foundational skills and prevent long-term academic challenges.
With the right specialized tutoring, students with dyslexia and learning challenges can become effective, confident readers. If your child is struggling with reading, spelling, writing, or overall academic confidence, Orton Gillingham tutoring can give them the structured support they need to excel in school.
To learn more about Orton Gillingham tutoring in Orlando, contact Knowledge Plus Tutoring today to see how we can help your child thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dyslexia Tutoring
What is Orton Gillingham tutoring?
Orton Gillingham tutoring is a research-based, multi-sensory approach to reading instruction. It was originally designed for students with dyslexia, but this approach can help all struggling readers develop their reading and spelling skills. It teaches these skills through direct instruction and an individualized approach, tailored to the specific needs of each student.
Is Orton Gillingham tutoring effective for dyslexia?
Yes! The Orton Gillingham method is considered by reading experts to be one of the most effective teaching methods for students with dyslexia because it follows a systematic, evidence-based, multi-sensory approach.
How do I know if my child needs Orton Gillingham tutoring?
There are many signs that indicate your child would benefit from Orton Gillingham tutoring. You may want to consider an Orton Gillingham tutor if your child:
- Struggles to sound out words
- Reverses letters
- Has trouble spelling words
- Guesses at words when reading
- Struggles to comprehend material when reading
- Avoids reading
- Becomes easily frustrated with reading or writing assignments
At what age should a child start to receive Orton Gillingham tutoring?
Children can begin receiving Orton Gillingham tutoring as soon as they show signs of struggle with phonemic awareness or reading. At Knowledge Plus Tutoring, we help children as young as the pre-kindergarten level with Orton Gillingham instruction. Early intervention significantly improves reading outcomes and can prevent future academic challenges.
Can older students benefit from Orton Gillingham tutoring?
Yes! Middle school, high school, and even adult students often struggle with reading and can benefit from Orton Gillingham tutoring to develop their reading and spelling skills.
How often should students receive Orton Gillingham tutoring?
The frequency that students should receive Orton Gillingham tutoring depends on their needs and overall profile. Students with milder reading or academic challenges may only need 1-2 sessions per week, while others with more severe challenges may need much more frequent sessions for effective remediation.
Is online Orton Gillingham tutoring effective?
Yes. Many students respond very well to online Orton Gillingham tutoring. This modality is particularly effective when the tutoring lessons are multi-sensory, individualized, and provided by the right Orton Gillingham tutor for your child.
Can Step Up for Students Scholarships in Florida pay for Orton Gillingham tutoring?
Yes! If your child qualifies, Step Up for Students scholarships may pay for Orton Gillingham tutoring, provided either in person or virtually.
Read more about the Step Up for Students Scholarships your child may qualify for at Step Up For Students: Scholarships For PreK-12 In Florida.
What is the difference between traditional tutoring and Orton Gillingham tutoring?
Traditional tutoring often emphasizes homework help or general review of concepts taught in school. Orton Gillingham tutoring, however, specifically addresses core reading skills, including decoding, spelling, and reading fluency through systematic, multi-sensory instruction.
Can Orton Gillingham tutoring help with spelling and writing?
Yes. Orton Gillingham instruction helps students develop their reading, spelling, and writing skills through a structured, multi-sensory approach.
Does Knowledge Plus Tutoring work with students who have dyslexia?
Yes! At Knowledge Plus Tutoring, we specialize in providing one-on-one tutoring to neurodiverse students, including students with dyslexia, ADHD and other learning challenges. Our individualized in-person and virtual tutoring program helps students build their core academic skills while developing their self-confidence and motivation.
Learn more about dyslexia and evidence-based reading intervention through the International Dyslexia Association at International Dyslexia Association - …until everyone can read!
Dr. Emily Levy is the executive director of Knowledge Plus Tutoring and a special education expert. She holds her Doctorate Degree in Education and her Master’s Degree in Special Education, and has helped thousands of students with learning challenges develop their reading skills through Orton Gillingham tutoring over the past twenty years. She frequently speaks at national educational conferences and appears as an ADHD expert on podcasts. Dr. Levy is the author of the Strategies for Study Success, Flags and Stars Orton Gillingham, and Flags and Stars Multi-Sensory Math student workbook programs, all of which are used by students and schools nationwide. She has been featured in publications including Newsweek, Epoch Times, Autism Advocate Parenting Magazine, and Macaroni Kids.
