Verticy Learning Methodology

The Veritcy Learning homeschool curriculum is based on the Orton-Gillingham methodology of multi-sensory instruction.

Video: Ben Shifrin, Head of Jemicy School, explains why Verticy incorporates Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory teaching strategies

A Multi-Sensory Approach

Programs that make a difference for students with LLDs may vary in their techniques, but they have a common philosophy behind them--they include multi-sensory practice for symbol learning. Dr. Samuel Orton and his colleagues began using multisensory methods in the mid-1920s at the mobile mental health clinic that he directed in Iowa. Dr. Orton was influenced by the kinesthetic methods described by Grace Fernald and Helen Keller.

Anna Gillingham and Bessie Stillman based their original 1936 teaching manual for the “alphabetic method” on Dr. Orton’s theories. They combined multisensory techniques with teaching the structure of written English, including sounds, word parts, and common spelling rules. The Orton-Gillingham approach refers to the structured, sequential, and multisensory techniques that were established by Dr. Orton, Ms. Gillingham, and their colleagues. Many programs today incorporate methods and principles that were first described in this initial work.

Even though the Orton-Gillingham approach has been around for over eighty years, the methodology still proves to be effective with dyslexic students today.