If you search for dyslexia tutoring programs, you will find that there are a variety of them available. During my years of dyslexia tutoring, I have often been asked by parents what the differences are between these various programs. The truth is, sometimes the differences in these dyslexia programs are very minor, and in other cases, they are fundamental.
Many dyslexia tutoring programs are derived from the Orton-Gillingham Method. The “O.G. Method”, as it is sometimes called, was developed many years ago by Samuel Orton, a neuropsychiatrist, and Anna Gillingham, an experienced educator. The Orton-Gillingham Method, and derived programs, have been very successful when put into practice by dyslexia tutors around the world. In my experience, the most successful dyslexia tutoring programs are based on the O.G. Method in one way or another.
The Groth Method, which we use here at Dyslexia Connect Online Tutoring, is derived from the O.G. Method. With the Groth Method, we have taken the methods and techniques that have proven to be the most effective over the years and added our own elements to make the program dynamic and successful. Our students have found a tremendous amount of success by being trained in our method. You can read some of their success stories by clicking on “Testimonials” in the menu bar.
Regardless of the different names that programs go by, there are some very fundamental elements that a dyslexia tutoring program needs to have to be successful in helping dyslexia students. These are:
1. A Phonics Approach:
A Phonics approach is vital to helping dyslexic students make progress. This is necessary because dyslexic students do not acquire language the same way that non-dyslexic children do. A child who does not have dyslexia may be able to pick up letter sounds, letter combination sounds, and syllable rules as they go along, even if they are not presented in a structured format; but this is extremely difficult for a dyslexic child to do. A dyslexic child needs a structured, phonetic approach to help them flourish as a reader and a speller.
2. Repetition:
A good dyslexia program also needs repetition. Now, this doesn’t mean it has to be boring! Here at Dyslexia Connect, we use a fair amount of repetition in our program, because this is what our dyslexic students need. However, we provide enough variety with that repetition to keep it fun! A successful dyslexia tutoring program needs repetition built into it, if it is going to be effective with dyslexic students.
3. It Needs to be Fun and Interesting:
A good dyslexia tutoring program also needs to be fun and interesting! If a program is not fun and interesting, it is not going to keep the attention of a dyslexic child very well. At Dyslexia Connect, we have gone to great lengths to make our method fun and interesting for our students. When a program has these qualities, it will hold the interest of dyslexic students, and as a result, be much more effective than something that is boring to them.
If you would like to learn more about our online dyslexia tutoring program, try clicking on “Online Tutoring” and “About Us” in the menu bar.
Peter
