In the world of education, dyslexia and reading intervention have taken the spotlight for quite some time. Thanks to the groundbreaking work of researchers and educators, Orton-Gillingham (OG) structured reading techniques have become the gold standard in helping children with reading difficulties, including dyslexia. Parents now seek out OG-trained instructors, understanding the value and effectiveness of these methods. But what about math? Why aren't we hearing more about OG Math, a multisensory approach that's gaining traction as a powerful tool for helping students with math learning differences?
The Current Landscape: Math Instruction and Learning Differences
For decades, math instruction has been grounded in traditional methods that often fail to address the diverse needs of all students, particularly those with learning differences. However, a transformation is underway, driven by emerging research that highlights the critical importance of understanding dyscalculia—a prevalent yet frequently overlooked learning disability that significantly impacts mathematical abilities. Dyscalculia is marked by persistent challenges in understanding numbers, manipulating them, and grasping essential mathematical concepts. Current estimates suggest that 6-7% of elementary school children exhibit symptoms of dyscalculia, though many more struggle with math due to teaching methods that don’t align with their unique learning styles.
One key factor that makes math especially challenging for many students is its strong linguistic component. Research indicates that a significant percentage of students with dyscalculia—up to 60%—also experience reading difficulties. This overlap is due to the similar cognitive processes involved in decoding symbols, understanding their meanings, and applying them to solve problems. These dual challenges underscore the urgent need for multisensory instruction. By engaging multiple senses—visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile—multisensory teaching methods not only enhance learning and retention but also effectively address both the mathematical and linguistic difficulties that students with dyscalculia face.
The Gap in Research and Intervention
There is a well-documented gap between research in math learning disabilities and the advancements made in reading interventions. While dyslexia has been the subject of extensive research for decades, dyscalculia—a math-specific learning disability—has only recently begun to receive the focused attention it deserves. This disparity has contributed to the slower development of effective math interventions.
However, recent research has revealed a crucial insight: math learning is intricately linked to language processing. Math isn't just about numbers; it requires a deep understanding of the language of math, from decoding complex word problems to following multi-step instructions. Given this connection, it is logical to apply interventions that have proven successful in reading, particularly those based on the Orton-Gillingham approach, to math instruction. This realization has paved the way for the rise of OG Math, or multisensory math instruction, as a powerful tool for helping students overcome their mathematical challenges.
What is OG Math?
OG (Orton-Gillingham) Math, also known as multisensory math instruction, is an innovative approach that builds on the proven success of OG techniques in reading. Originally developed to help students with dyslexia, multisensory instruction has transformed the way educators address reading difficulties by engaging the visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile senses. The remarkable effectiveness of these methods in reading has naturally led educators and researchers to explore their potential in the realm of math instruction.
OG Math applies the same structured, multisensory principles to mathematics, offering a powerful tool for students struggling with dyscalculia and other math learning differences. By simultaneously engaging multiple senses—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—OG Math fosters stronger neural connections, resulting in improved comprehension and retention of mathematical concepts.
The Concrete-Representational-Abstract Progression
One of the key features of OG Math is the concrete-representational-abstract (CRA) progression. Here's how it works:
Concrete Stage: Students begin by learning new math concepts using hands-on materials. This could include physical objects like blocks or counters that they can manipulate.
Representational Stage: Next, students move on to drawing or using pictures to represent these concepts. This intermediate step helps bridge the gap between the concrete and abstract stages.
Abstract Stage: Finally, students convert the information into numbers and symbols, the language of math. By the time they reach this stage, they have a solid understanding of the underlying concepts.
This multisensory approach goes beyond simply making math more engaging; it is deeply rooted in neuroscience, which shows that learning is more effective when multiple senses are activated. By tapping into this powerful method, OG Math not only makes math more accessible but also empowers students to build lasting confidence in their mathematical abilities.
The Neuroscience Behind Multisensory Math Instruction
Research in neuroscience has shown that learning is more effective when multiple senses are engaged. When students see, hear, and physically interact with mathematical concepts, they create stronger neural connections in the brain. These connections are crucial for students with dyscalculia, who often struggle to grasp abstract mathematical concepts.
One study published in the journal Neuroscience found that multisensory learning activates different areas of the brain simultaneously, leading to better retention and understanding of complex concepts. This is particularly important in math, where students often need to apply concepts in various ways to solve problems.
Moreover, OG Math's structured approach aligns with how the brain naturally learns. The brain thrives on patterns and structure, making OG Math's step-by-step, sequential instruction highly effective. Each lesson builds on the previous one, helping students develop a solid foundation before moving on to more complex topics.
Why OG Math Techniques Matter for Your Child
The benefits of OG Math techniques extend far beyond just improving math grades. For students with dyscalculia or other math learning differences, these techniques can be transformative. Research has consistently shown that when instruction is tailored to a child’s unique learning style—whether they are visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or tactile learners—they experience significant gains in comprehension and problem-solving abilities.
Take, for instance, the use of manipulatives—physical objects that students can move around to represent mathematical concepts. A child who struggles with understanding abstract numerical relationships might find clarity through the tactile experience of manipulating blocks or beads. This hands-on approach not only demystifies complex topics but also builds confidence, as students begin to see math as something they can conquer, rather than something they fear.
However, despite the compelling evidence supporting multisensory math instruction, finding qualified educators trained in OG Math techniques can be challenging.
The Universal Benefits of Multisensory Instruction
One of the most compelling aspects of multisensory instruction, including OG Math, is its broad applicability. While this approach is essential for students with learning differences like dyscalculia, it is also highly beneficial for all learners. Whether or not your child has a diagnosed learning disability, multisensory instruction can enhance their understanding and retention of mathematical concepts.
Engaging multiple senses—visual, auditory, kinesthetic—helps create stronger connections in the brain, leading to deeper comprehension and more effective learning. This means that even if your child doesn’t struggle with math, they can still reap the benefits of this innovative approach. After all, we all want the best for our children, and providing them with a learning method that caters to how the brain naturally processes information is a step toward ensuring their academic success.
Where Are the OG Math Instructors?
Just a few years ago, parents faced a similar struggle in finding OG-trained reading tutors. However, as awareness of dyslexia and the effectiveness of OG techniques grew, more educators sought training, making it easier for parents to find qualified reading instructors.
Math is now in a similar position. The demand for OG Math instructors is rising, but many parents remain unaware of this option. It's not that OG Math instructors don't exist—they do. But parents must be proactive in seeking out these specialists, especially if their child struggles with math.
Why Should Parents Care?
The reality is, the right educator can make all the difference. For parents investing in private academic assistance, it's essential to ensure their money is well spent. A regular math tutor might help your child improve their grades temporarily, but an educator trained in OG Math can provide the targeted instruction needed to address the underlying issues that contribute to their math struggles.
Imagine your child has dyslexia. Would you want them to work with a tutor who isn't trained in OG reading techniques? Probably not. The same logic applies to math. If your child has dyscalculia or another math learning difference, they need more than just a tutor—they need an OG Math specialist who can provide the multisensory, structured instruction proven to be effective. This specialized approach ensures that your child not only keeps up with their peers but also builds a strong foundation for future success in math and beyond.
Now is the time to Act
The need for multisensory math instruction is more critical now than ever. As research continues to illuminate the connections between math learning and language, the demand for OG Math instructors is rising. Yet, many parents remain unaware of this option, leaving their children to struggle with math in traditional settings that don’t cater to their needs.
As a parent, it's crucial to be informed and proactive in seeking the best support for your child's educational needs. If your child struggles with math, it's essential to consider the potential benefits of multisensory math instruction. Here are a few steps you can take:
Research and Educate Yourself: Learn about dyscalculia and the principles of OG Math. Understanding the science behind multisensory instruction will empower you to make informed decisions for your child's education.
Seek Qualified Educatorss: When looking for someone to assist with your child's struggles in math, ask about their training and experience with OG Math. Educators who are certified in multisensory math instruction can provide the specialized support your child needs.
Invest Wisely: Private tutoring can be a significant investment, so ensure your dollars are well spent by choosing a professional who uses research-backed methods proven to improve math abilities, even for children with learning differences.
Finding an OG Math instructor may require diligent research, but it's worth the effort. Remember, the goal is to find someone who can tailor their approach to meet your child's specific needs, using evidence-based techniques that have been shown to improve math learning outcomes.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
As parents, it's natural to want the best for your child, especially when it comes to their education. If your child struggles with math, it's time to explore new interventions like OG Math. While this approach is still emerging, the research is promising, and the results speak for themselves. By finding a educator trained in OG Math, you're not just helping your child get better grades—you're giving them the tools they need to understand and enjoy math, setting them up for long-term success.
So, take the time to inform yourself about math learning differences, ask the right questions, and advocate for your child. With the right support, every child can excel in math, no matter the challenges they face. And remember, the ideal person to help solve your child's math problems is someone trained in OG Math—a specialist who understands that math is more than just numbers; it's about building confidence, competence, and a lifelong love of learning.
At Mindbridge Math Mastery, we are committed to helping every child unlock their full potential in math through personalized, research-backed multisensory instruction. If you’re ready to take the next step in your child’s educational journey, we invite you to book a FREE consultation or contact us so we can discuss how our trained Multisensory Math instructor can make a difference in your child’s learning experience. Together, we can build a brighter future—one math problem at a time.
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