Hooked on Phonics = OrtinGillingham?

By the way, if it helps he has a processing problem and we think Dyslexic but noone can give us anything conclusive in the way of a diagnosis.

-Julie

Alphabetic Phonics is the Ortin Gillingham way to learn decoding. It must work fairly well. It takes intesive training to use and can’t be purchased without the training. It is very detailed in it’s use.

That still doesn’t answer my question. this is all new to us. My question again is…Does what I have(hooked on phonics) use the Orton Gillingham method? I’m guessing not.

-Julie

O-G is an instructional method that employs multi-sensory teaching using synthetic phonics (whole-to-part and part-to-whole). If necessary, I can run through a lesson for you; however, neither game is going to encompass the things in a lesson. It requires the ability to manipulate the scope and sequence of instruction based on student needs.

Now, programs like Alphabetic Phonics are *programs* that support O-G teaching methods—there are many: Wilson Language, SPIRE, Language!, and many, many more. One may be trained to use one or more of these programs and not fully understand the O-G teaching method. That is why I suggest that parents of the most reluctant decoders try to find someone who is trained in one or more methods rather than *programs.* People trained in programs often have difficulty when a diversion from the script is required if they are not supported by a solid understanding of the underlying method.

Language Tune Up Kit is O-G based software. It is a no-frills (the version I saw had no graphics) program for PC or Mac that gives immediate feedback on reading of decodable words/text. It works to help students see patterns in syllable types. I like the graphics of Lexia better. Students seem to like it a lot, too.

Be cautious, however, with software-only instruction. Students often need explanations or they don’t make progress. Is there no teacher near you?

Eight is also a little young for everything O-G has to offer. I try not to overwhelm the little guys by throwing it all at them.

Hooked on Phonics is not based on OG. Susan is right, OG would be difficult for your son. Go out and buy Reading Reflex and teach him how to read. It is very parent friendly and difficult for your son to learn. If you want to learn more about it, contact me personally.

Hi Julie,
Are you a homeschooler or working with a special ed teacher at a school? If you’re a parent trying to figure this all out you might try posting on the parent board. You’ll get a lot of expert advice here but it may go over your head until you’ve learned the terms etc… You might try posting exactly what your kiddo’s problems are, what you’ve done up til now, what is available and tried at the school if he’s attending. Has he had any tests? Post the scores if so.
Do a search of Orton-Gillingham, Wilson, Phonographix, Lindamood Bell methods on this BB and you’ll find a number of threads where they are all explained and contrasted. Also do a search for Phonemic Awareness as that’s a good place to start with what may be causing your child’s problem. Hooked on Phonics is a commercial program and is not designed for dyslexics. It does NOT use OG methods. If it’s been suggested your son may need OG then you are right in understanding the two Hooked on Phonics programs you have are not what you should be doing. At some point you may want to find a tutour in O-G or one of the methods mentioned above but all but Phonographix’s Reading Reflex is above what an untrained parent can do. You might do a search on Reading Reflex. I’m another parent and I know it’s baffling at first, but hang in there.

Go over to the Teaching Reading board; there are ooodles of older posts about various programs that you can read up on. Shay gives good advice. You can email me for direct advice too.
Victoria

Hooked on PHonics isn’t even Orton-Gillingham based. I’ve got some programs that are (and others that have a similar approach), including some software, in the “links” section of my site at www.resourceroom.net. IF you give more details about what your son struggles with, and what his strengths are, we can give you suggestions for working with him to get that reading off the ground. (There’s even a yahoo group of moms teaching older kids to read at home with lots of ideas and materials).