Orton Gillingham works well for students with dyslexia, reading difficulties, slow decoding skills, or those who struggle to sound out unfamiliar words. It's also beneficial for students who've had limited phonics instruction or those learning English as a second language. With Milwaukee's 20.5:1 average student-teacher ratio, many students benefit from personalized 1-on-1 instruction that focuses specifically on their reading gaps rather than keeping pace with classroom instruction.

During an initial session, a tutor will assess your student's current reading level, identify specific challenges (like letter recognition, phoneme awareness, or blending), and explain how Orton Gillingham instruction will address those gaps. The tutor will also discuss your student's learning style and establish clear goals. This foundation ensures that personalized instruction is tailored to your student's needs from day one.

Most students begin showing noticeable improvement in decoding and fluency within 4-8 weeks of consistent 1-on-1 instruction, though the timeline depends on the severity of the reading difficulty and frequency of tutoring. Foundational skills like letter-sound correspondence often develop quickly, while reading fluency and comprehension typically improve over several months. Regular practice between sessions and parental support significantly accelerate progress.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to move at your student's pace, repeat concepts until mastered, and adjust activities based on what's working—something that's difficult in a classroom of 20+ students. Orton Gillingham tutors focus exclusively on your student's specific reading challenges rather than teaching a one-size-fits-all curriculum. This targeted approach typically leads to faster skill development and greater confidence in reading.

Orton Gillingham is effective from early elementary through high school and even into adulthood. Younger students (K-2) benefit from foundational phonics and letter-sound work, while older students often focus on decoding longer words, spelling patterns, and reading fluency. Regardless of age, the systematic approach helps students catch up on missed phonics skills and build reading confidence.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who specialize in Orton Gillingham instruction and understand its structured, multisensory approach. When you reach out, share details about your student's reading challenges and goals, and we'll match you with a tutor experienced in this methodology. Look for tutors with formal Orton Gillingham training or certification, as this ensures they're using the approach correctly.

Tutors typically assign brief, focused practice activities (10-15 minutes daily) that reinforce what's taught in sessions—such as letter-sound flashcards, blending exercises, or decodable reading practice. Consistent practice between sessions is one of the strongest predictors of reading improvement. Your tutor will provide clear guidance on how to support your student's learning at home without overwhelming them.