Students with dyslexia, reading delays, or difficulty with phonics and decoding benefit significantly from Orton Gillingham instruction. However, any student who struggles with reading—whether due to gaps in foundational skills, inconsistent classroom instruction, or learning differences—can benefit from this structured, multisensory approach. For students in Reno with an average student-teacher ratio of 18.9:1, personalized Orton Gillingham tutoring provides the individualized attention needed to address specific reading challenges that may be overlooked in larger classroom settings.

Personalized Orton Gillingham tutoring is tailored to a student's specific learning pace, strengths, and challenges—rather than following a one-size-fits-all classroom curriculum. Tutors assess where a student is struggling and adjust the sequence and intensity of lessons accordingly, whereas classroom instruction must move at a pace that works for the whole group. This individualized approach allows for deeper practice with difficult concepts, immediate feedback, and the flexibility to use multisensory techniques in ways that work best for each student's learning style.

The first session typically focuses on assessment and building rapport. A tutor will evaluate your student's current reading level, identify specific areas of difficulty (such as letter-sound correspondence, blending, or sight words), and understand their learning preferences. This foundation helps the tutor create a personalized instructional plan that targets your student's unique needs and sets clear, measurable goals for improvement.

Many students show noticeable improvements in phonetic awareness and decoding skills within 4-8 weeks of consistent, personalized instruction—though timelines vary based on the severity of reading difficulties and frequency of tutoring sessions. More significant gains in fluency and comprehension typically develop over several months of regular practice. Consistency is key; students who work with a tutor regularly and practice between sessions tend to see faster, more substantial progress than those with sporadic instruction.

Yes, Orton Gillingham instruction complements Nevada's reading standards by building the foundational phonetic and decoding skills that underpin all reading competencies. The method's structured, sequential approach ensures students master essential skills like letter-sound relationships, blending, and word attack strategies—all critical components of Nevada's literacy expectations. Tutors can coordinate with classroom teachers to ensure tutoring supports and reinforces what students are learning in school.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in Orton Gillingham instruction and understand how to teach reading to students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. When you reach out, you can specify your student's needs and grade level, and we'll match you with a tutor experienced in this structured literacy approach. Look for tutors with formal Orton Gillingham training or certification, as this ensures they understand the method's specific techniques and can implement it effectively.

Absolutely. While Orton Gillingham focuses heavily on decoding and phonetic foundations, once students master these core skills, tutors build toward fluency and comprehension. Strong decoding skills free up mental energy for understanding meaning, making connections, and engaging with more complex texts. Many students find that as their confidence and accuracy in reading improve through Orton Gillingham instruction, their comprehension and enjoyment of reading naturally follow.