What is Orton Gillingham Math?

Watch and Listen here.

We began this series of OG Academic Math Insights by introducing the “ 5 Big Ideas” for best practices in teaching and learning mathematics. After that we explored why math is difficult for so many students. The next OG Math insights will introduce key concepts from Orton Gillingham Math, or as it is known, OG Academic Math.

OG Academic Math utilizes an engaging, interactive approach for teaching and learning that fosters more thinking and less rote memorization. There is a place for memorization but overall, it is actually the lowest order of thinking; using memorization to learn facts ultimately bypasses higher order functioning and creative thoughts. OG Academic Math reduces the focus on memorization  while providing dependable building structures to solidify math concepts.

OG Academic Math uses multiple approaches to teaching and learning math both ensuring the students fully grasp the concepts and understand the reasoning – the why – behind the concepts instead of the generic “ just because” reasoning.

OG Academic Math works to increase conceptual knowledge for each student using a unique CRA approach (concrete, representational, abstract) that flawlessly connects math concepts.  It highlights that there are numerous ways for students to arrive at the same answer for a single problem. We must remember that learners are multifaceted and have different ways of processing information – especially students who struggle with math.  This difference in learning and processing styles benefits from the differentiation provided by the OG Academic Math Approach.

OG Academic Math follows a structured, sequential process that builds on previous skills and knowledge while moving students into new skills and knowledge for them to master. We create micro units to place emphasis on each skill so students can achieve success on a regular basis.

You may wonder how does this approach fits into math lessons and classrooms?

Each teacher has a scope and sequence that can be adapted and broken down to create instruction that foster better retention. OG Academic Math doesn’t change what students are taught. Instead, it changes the way information is presented to ensure the end goal is met. Students master material such that they retain it until the following year so that it can be used as a  foundation for the new concepts they will be learning.

Learn More about OG Academic Math 

These ideas just touch the surface of OG math if you want to find some free resources or sign up for a training course just go to mathworkshops.com