Structured Literacy: The Science-Backed Approach That Finally Makes Reading Make Sense
- saramattia1313
- Dec 4
- 2 min read
What if I told you there is a proven, science-backed way to help struggling readers make sense of reading—one that aligns with how the brain actually learns?
It’s called Structured Literacy, and for so many children, it changes everything.
At My Learning Farm in Penryn, CA, we use this approach every single day to help students with dyslexia, ADHD, dysgraphia, and other learning differences become confident, capable readers. Today, I’d love to explain what Structured Literacy really is, why it works, and how it can support your child.
🌱 Understanding the Orton–Gillingham Approach
Structured Literacy has deep roots in one of the most trusted reading approaches: Orton–Gillingham, often called OG.
OG was developed nearly a century ago by
Dr. Samuel Orton, a neuropsychiatrist who studied how the brain processes language, and
Anna Gillingham, an educator and linguist who transformed his research into a clear, teachable method.
Even after almost 100 years, OG remains one of the most effective approaches because modern brain research continues to support it.
OG instruction is:
Explicit — nothing is assumed; everything is taught directly.
Systematic & Sequential — skills build in a logical order.
Multisensory — students learn using sight, sound, touch, and movement.
Diagnostic & Personalized — teaching adapts instantly to student needs.
Prescriptive — instruction is tailored, not one-size-fits-all.
In other words, OG isn’t just a program — it’s a method that mirrors how the brain learns best.
🌾 What Is Structured Literacy?
Structured Literacy is the broader umbrella that includes Orton–Gillingham.It teaches the foundational skills that all learners need:
Phonemic Awareness
Sound–Symbol Relationships
Syllable Types
Morphology (prefixes, suffixes, Greek/Latin roots)
Fluency
Vocabulary
Comprehension
It is clear. Direct. Intentional. Consistent.There is no guessing, no memorizing long lists of words, and no “hope they figure it out.”
Everything has a purpose. Everything connects.
🧠 Why Struggling Readers Thrive With Structured Literacy
Here’s the beautiful part: when instruction aligns with how the brain actually learns to read, kids finally exhale.
Structured Literacy works because:
👉 It makes reading logical and predictable.👉 It strengthens neural pathways through multisensory learning.👉 It reduces frustration and builds confidence.👉 It teaches students the why (the patterns and rules) behind English.👉 It adjusts to each child’s needs, pace, and learning profile.
Parents often say, “This finally makes sense.”Students say, “I get it now!”And as a teacher, those words are everything.
💛 A Message to Families
If your child struggles with reading or spelling, please know this:
It is not a reflection of their intelligence or potential.They simply need an approach that matches how their brain learns.
At My Learning Farm, we use Orton–Gillingham Structured Literacy every day to help students grow through joyful, hands-on, evidence-based instruction. And we would love to walk beside your family, too.
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