Our Approach

At Roberts Academy, we are committed to helping students with reading difficulties thrive and excel.

The Orton-Gillingham approach is the foundation of our instruction because it is rooted in research and over 80 years of teaching practice. Students’ feelings about themselves and their academic progress are critically important. Orton-Gillingham focuses on providing the experience of success, which increases self-confidence and motivation.

Orton-Gillingham instruction starts with the basics, focusing on the structure of words and language. Gradually, it moves to weave the skills of reading, spelling, and writing into an integrated whole. Dialogue between student and teacher is immediate, so the student can master skills step-by-step to achieve literacy, build self-confidence, and reach their full potential. The approach is diagnostic, personalized, multisensory, structured, cognitive, and success-oriented.

Language Based

Lessons based on the Orton-Gillingham approach provide students with learning strategies to succeed with word and language skills. Instruction may focus on developing receptive or expressive language skills, both spoken and written. Students with dyslexia often require more help than others to sort, recognize, and organize. They learn these word and language skills, along with others, early, directly, and systematically in lessons based on the Orton-Gillingham approach.

Multisensory

Multisensory instruction engages students in action-oriented learning that combines the senses: auditory (hearing), visual (seeing), tactile (touching), and kinesthetic (body movement). New concepts are reinforced by having the child read, listen, speak, and write during each lesson.

Structured

Lessons based on the Orton-Gillingham approach teach the structure of the words and language. Teachers use direct instruction to reveal the patterns and rules that make reading and spelling predictable. Lesson routines are clear so that students know what to expect.

Sequential

Students encounter concepts in a logical order when teachers use the Orton-Gillingham approach. They master foundational ideas before addressing complex ones. Children begin by reading and writing sounds, then blending sounds into words and syllables. Using the Orton-Gillingham approach, children learn vocabulary, sentence structure, composition, and reading comprehension.

Cumulative

When using the Orton-Gillingham approach, the concepts and skills students learn in one lesson build on those learned in earlier lessons. Regular review and reinforcement ensure that concepts and skills are mastered and retained.

Cognitive

With the Orton-Gillingham approach, students are taught the logical patterns of words and language and are empowered to think through spelling and decoding challenges. They know the reasons behind learning and have a toolbox of learning strategies. Students also understand the history and rules of the English language, allowing them to confidently apply their knowledge.

Diagnostic and Prescriptive

When using the Orton-Gillingham approach, teachers make careful diagnostic notes about student progress following every lesson. Using these notes, they plan prescriptively for the next lesson to build on the student's strengths and address the source of any misunderstandings.