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Cracking the Code: Can OG Work for Math?
Let’s be honest—math can feel like an unsolvable puzzle for a lot of kids (and let’s not pretend we parents haven’t had our fair share of “Wait… what?” moments over their homework). If you’ve ever found yourself squinting at a math problem, wondering if numbers have always been this confusing or if you just blocked out the trauma from your own school days—trust me, you’re not alone.
But here’s the good news: just like Orton-Gillingham (OG) transformed reading instruction for students with dyslexia, a structured, multisensory approach exists for math, too. You might have heard terms like OG Math, Orton-Gillingham Math, or Multisensory Math and thought, Are these just different names for the same thing? Does OG really work for math like it does for reading? And most importantly—can this actually help my child?
Great questions. And you’re not the only one asking them. With the massive success of OG-based reading programs, it’s no surprise that parents are searching for a math equivalent—something structured, research-backed, and, dare I say, even a little fun. (Yes, fun. Stay with me here.)
In this blog, we’re going to break it all down—what these terms actually mean, how they compare, and what you need to know to help your child build math confidence without the tears (for either of you). Let’s dive in! 🚀
What is Orton-Gillingham (OG) and Why Does It Work for Reading?
Think of teaching reading like building a house. You wouldn’t start with the roof first—unless you enjoy watching everything collapse into a hot mess. Instead, you’d lay a solid foundation, brick by brick, making sure each layer is strong before moving on. That’s exactly what Orton-Gillingham (OG) does for reading—it builds literacy skills step by step using a structured, systematic, and multisensory approach.
Originally designed to support students with dyslexia, OG takes the overwhelming task of learning to read and breaks it down into manageable, bite-sized pieces. No more blank stares at a page full of words—students get to see, hear, and touch their way to literacy. They tap out sounds on their fingers, trace letters in sand, and say words out loud to reinforce learning. It’s hands-on, engaging, and, most importantly, effective.
This method has been a total game-changer, helping countless students go from struggling readers to confident ones. By focusing on repetition and reinforcement, OG ensures that kids fully grasp concepts before moving on—kind of like shooting free throws until muscle memory kicks in.
And with the undeniable success of OG in reading, it didn’t take long for parents and educators to start wondering… Could this same approach work for math?
Spoiler alert: Yes, it can! But before we dive into how OG principles apply to numbers and equations, let’s take a closer look at another buzzword in the world of math instruction—Multisensory Math. 🚀
What is Multisensory Math?

If you've ever watched a child struggle with math, you know it’s not just about numbers—it’s about making sense of patterns, relationships, and problem-solving strategies. And let’s face it, simply staring at a page full of equations can feel like trying to read a foreign language without subtitles.
This is where Multisensory Math comes into play. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of math instruction—versatile, hands-on, and designed to engage students through multiple senses. Rather than just listening to a lecture or memorizing formulas, students using multisensory math might:
See math through visual aids like number lines, fraction bars, and color-coded charts.
Touch math by manipulating blocks, beads, or even drawing out problems with tactile materials.
Hear math by discussing steps aloud, using rhythm or patterns to reinforce concepts.
Move math by physically interacting with learning tools, like stepping out math problems on the floor or using hand motions to represent operations.
In short, multisensory math takes the “ugh” out of math and replaces it with “aha!” moments by turning abstract ideas into concrete, tangible experiences. So, whether your child is struggling with basic number sense or more complex algebraic concepts, multisensory math helps build confidence and understanding one step at a time.
Why Multisensory Math Works
For students who struggle with traditional approaches, multisensory math provides a way to engage with content that feels natural and intuitive. This method taps into different learning styles and strengthens neural pathways by connecting concepts across multiple sensory channels.
Example: Imagine a child learning multiplication. Instead of repeating “3 x 4” over and over, they might use small counters to group into sets of three, physically seeing the groups and counting them aloud. This way, they experience multiplication rather than just memorizing it.
Who Benefits from Multisensory Math?
Multisensory math isn't just for students with learning differences—it benefits everyone. However, it’s particularly effective for:
Students with dyscalculia, who struggle with number sense and sequencing.
Students with ADHD, who need engaging, hands-on approaches to maintain focus.
Students with language based difficulties, such as dyslexia, who may struggle with understanding word problems, math vocabulary, and verbal instructions.
Kinesthetic learners who thrive when they can move and interact with their learning materials.
But here’s the million-dollar question: If multisensory math works so well, does that mean OG Math is the same thing?
Spoiler alert—yes and no. Let’s dive into what OG Math really means and whether it's just another buzzword or a true game-changer.
Is There Such a Thing as OG Math?
By now, you've probably heard the term "OG Math" floating around in parent forums, school meetings, or even in conversations with educators. With the incredible success of Orton-Gillingham (OG) in reading, it’s natural to wonder—does an OG approach exist for math?
First things first—let's clear up the terminology. OG and Orton-Gillingham are the same thing. It’s not some underground educator movement—it’s just that teachers love abbreviations (and honestly, “OG” sounds way cooler, like it should come with its own secret handshake).
While many educators implement multisensory strategies in their teaching, the term "OG Math" wasn’t officially recognized the way OG is for reading. In fact, anyone teaching math with a hands-on, multisensory approach might say they're using "OG Math," but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re following a structured OG methodology.
So, does an official Orton-Gillingham Math program exist? Yes—and it’s called Marilyn Zecher’s Multisensory Math.
Marilyn Zecher’s Multisensory Math: The OG of OG Math
If anyone deserves the title of "OG Math Guru," it’s Marilyn Zecher—a certified Orton-Gillingham practitioner, educational therapist, and all-around math mastermind. She originally started developing her approach to support students with language-based learning difficulties and disabilities.
Her philosophy? Multisensory math is beneficial for all, but absolutely essential for some.
Over years of research and hands-on experience, Zecher crafted a structured, cumulative, and multisensory program that mirrors the OG reading framework. Instead of just throwing numbers at students and hoping for the best (looking at you, traditional math drills), her approach ensures students build a strong conceptual foundation—one step at a time.
Her approach includes:
✅ Structured Sequences – No math whiplash here! Lessons build logically, so each new concept is rooted in something the student already understands.
✅ Multisensory Teaching – Students see, touch, and hear math to reinforce learning from multiple angles.
✅ Mastery-Based Learning – No moving on until the concept actually clicks. (A refreshing change from the usual “just keep up and hope for the best” approach.)
What makes Zecher’s program unique is that it’s the only multisensory math program officially endorsed as being rooted in the OG methodology. That means educators can be trained specifically in her approach, ensuring they follow the same structured, research-backed principles that have revolutionized reading—except now, it’s for math.
Concrete-Representational-Abstract (Oh My!)

One of the key pillars of Zecher’s Multisensory Math is the Concrete-Representational-Abstract (CRA) framework, a research-backed instructional model proven to enhance student understanding of mathematical concepts. If you’ve ever seen a kid confidently count on their fingers, only to completely freeze when faced with a written equation, you already understand why CRA is a game-changer.
🟢 Concrete Stage – First, students physically interact with math. We’re talking base-ten blocks, fraction tiles, counters—you name it. This hands-on stage helps them see and feel the math before they ever have to write a single equation.
🟡 Representational Stage – Once they’re comfortable with the physical stuff, students transition to visual representations like drawings, number lines, or diagrams. It’s like training wheels before the big leap to numbers and symbols.
🔴 Abstract Stage – Finally, students reach the holy grail of math—solving problems with numbers and symbols only. But here’s the magic: because they’ve built such a strong foundation in the previous stages, this step isn’t nearly as intimidating as it once was.
Why does this work? Because CRA ensures students don’t just memorize formulas—they actually understand the math behind them. And the research backs this up: multiple studies have proven that using CRA dramatically improves retention and problem-solving skills, especially for students with learning difficulties.
In other words, CRA isn’t just another trendy teaching strategy—it’s science-backed, effective, and kind of a big deal.
My Personal Experience with Zecher’s Courses
As someone who has taken both of Marilyn Zecher’s Multisensory Math courses, I can confidently say that her first course was a game-changer. It completely reshaped how I approach math instruction, giving me the tools to break down complex concepts in a way that actually makes sense to struggling students.
The second course? Eh… more like a sequel that didn’t quite live up to the original. It had some solid strategies for upper-level math, but a lot of it felt like a review of what I already learned in the first course. Still, the knowledge I gained from her training has been invaluable in helping students go from “I hate math” to “Wait… I actually get this!”
How Does Multisensory Math Compare to OG Math?
So—if both OG Math and multisensory math use hands-on strategies, what's the difference? Think of it this way: all squares are rectangles, but not all rectangles are squares. Similarly, OG Math falls under the umbrella of multisensory math, but not all multisensory math follows the OG methodology.
Let’s break it down:
Key Differences Between OG Math and Multisensory Math
Feature | OG Math (Zecher's Approach) | Multisensory Math (General) |
Structure | Highly structured, sequential lessons | Can be flexible and varied |
Instructor Training | Trained OG math instructors required | Educators may use a variety of methods |
Focus | Intervention for students with learning difficulties, plus can be applied to a broader audience of students | Broad application for all students |
Scope | Specific sequences for number sense, operations, and more | Can include hands-on, visual, and kinesthetic strategies |
Assessment | Frequent checks for mastery before moving on | Varies depending on the instructor |
Why Choose Marilyn Zecher’s Multisensory Math?
While many educators claim to teach "multisensory math," it's important to recognize that not all approaches are created equal. Marilyn Zecher’s Multisensory Math program stands apart because it is grounded in the Orton-Gillingham methodology, providing a structured, research-backed framework that ensures students build a deep and lasting understanding of math concepts.
As someone trained in Zecher’s methods, I can confidently say that her approach has done wonders for my students. Whether a student has dyscalculia, ADHD, or simply struggles with math, this structured and multisensory approach provides the support they need to succeed.
Which Approach is Best for Your Child?
Let’s get real. Any educator can say they use multisensory math, but the difference between a general multisensory math approach and Marilyn Zecher’s OG-based method is like the difference between homemade pizza and frozen store-brand pizza. They might both technically be pizza, but one is just objectively better (and actually tastes like real pizza).
So, how do you know if Zecher’s approach is the right fit for your child?
Does your child need a structured, step-by-step approach to truly grasp math concepts?
If yes, a certified instructor in Zecher’s methods can provide the roadmap they need—no more math whiplash from jumping between unrelated topics.
Are you looking for a math program that adapts to your child’s pace while ensuring mastery?
OG-based multisensory math offers built-in flexibility, but never rushes ahead before a concept clicks.
Does your child struggle with retention and need repetitive reinforcement?
Zecher’s methods emphasize mastery through strategic review and multisensory engagement, making it easier for students to recall and apply what they’ve learned.
Real-Life Example:
Let’s say your child is struggling with place value (which, by the way, is way more common than people think—place value confusion is basically a rite of passage in elementary school).
How a General Multisensory Math Approach Might Handle It:
A teacher might hand the student Base-10 blocks and let them build numbers. Maybe they’ll draw number charts or color-code digits to show ones, tens, and hundreds. It’s hands-on, sure, but the lesson sequence might not be rigidly structured.
How Marilyn Zecher’s Approach Handles It:
A student using OG-based multisensory math wouldn’t just work with Base-10 blocks. They’d follow a structured sequence:
🔹 Concrete stage – Building numbers with actual manipulatives, physically seeing and touching math.
🔹 Representational stage – Drawing those numbers with visual models, like number lines or place value charts.
🔹 Abstract stage – Transitioning to traditional math notation, understanding place value without needing visual aids.
Each step reinforces the previous one, creating deep, lasting understanding rather than “I learned it for the test but forgot it the next day” math.
Both approaches can work—it just depends on the level of support your child needs.
Choosing an instructor trained in Marilyn Zecher's methodology ensures that your child receives instruction that is not just engaging but also systematic and proven to work.
Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Not all multisensory math is created equal, and just because an instructor claims to use multisensory methods doesn’t mean they’re following a structured, research-backed approach. Marilyn Zecher’s Multisensory Math isn’t just effective—it’s built on proven strategies like CRA that ensure students actually understand math, not just memorize it.
Whether your child needs intensive intervention or just a little extra support, finding an instructor trained in Zecher’s methods could be the missing piece of the puzzle. Because at the end of the day, every child deserves to feel confident in math—whether they’re counting on fingers, using manipulatives, or finally tackling those dreaded word problems without breaking a sweat.
Want to learn more about multisensory math and how it can help your child? Let’s chat! Book a free consultation with MindBridge Math Mastery today, and let’s turn math frustration into math success. 🚀

Susan Ardila, a renowned leader in math education, specializes in empowering students to overcome learning challenges through personalized strategies and expert support. As the founder of MindBridge Math Mastery, Susan has dedicated her career to transforming struggles into success stories for learners of all abilities. Join our community of achievers and start your child’s journey to math confidence today.
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