Children at the Windsor Scottish Rite Learning Centre receive one-to-one tutoring in one hour sessions, twice weekly, for approximately 8 months (34 weeks) during the school year. The sessions are given after school on Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday.
We use the Orton-Gillingham approach which is language-based, multisensory, structured, sequential, cumulative, direct, diagnostic and emotionally sound.
Language-based
The Orton-Gillingham approach is based on a technique of studying and teaching language, understanding the nature of human language, the mechanisms involved in learning, and the language-learning processes in individuals. The program includes both synthetic and analytic instruction. Synthetic instruction presents the parts of the language and then teaches how the parts work together to form a whole. Analytic instruction presents the whole and teaches how this can be broken down into its component parts.
Multisensory
Teaching is done using all learning pathways in the brain (visual, auditory and kinesthetic-tactile) simultaneously in order to enhance memory and learning.
Structured, Sequential, Cumulative
Multisensory language instruction requires that the organization of material follows the logical order of the language. The sequence must begin with the easiest and most basic elements and progress methodically to more difficult material. Each step must also be based on those already learned. Concepts taught must be systematically reviewed to strengthen memory.
Direct
The inferential learning of any concept cannot be taken for granted. Multisensory language instruction requires the direct teaching of all concepts with continuous, one-on-one, child-tutor interaction.
Diagnostic
The tutoring plan is based on careful and continuous assessment of the individual’s needs. The content presented must be mastered to the degree of automaticity.
Emotionally Sound
The child experiences success in every lesson, gaining confidence as well as skill. Self esteem improves, sometimes dramatically, and success in school follows.
