What Is Orton Gillingham Math? A Game-Changer for Struggling Learners

When math finally makes sense—and the struggle turns into success.

Math shouldn't feel like a battleground—but for many kids, it does. If you've ever watched your child melt down over a simple worksheet or freeze during math homework, you know the struggle is real. Enter the Orton-Gillingham approach to math—yes, that’s right. The same OG method known for transforming reading struggles is making waves in math, too. But what is Orton Gillingham math, exactly? And why is it such a powerful tool for students with dyscalculia, ADHD, or just plain math anxiety? In this post, we’re breaking it all down in real-world terms. You’ll walk away with a clear understanding of the method—and how it can totally change the game for your child.

Why Structured Literacy Isn’t Just for Reading (It’s the Core of Orton Gillingham Math)

When people ask, “What is Orton Gillingham Math?”, they’re often surprised to learn it’s built on something called structured literacy. Yes, the same approach that’s transformed reading instruction for students with dyslexia is just as powerful in the world of math.

Structured literacy means instruction that’s:

• Explicit (we tell kids exactly what they’re learning)

• Systematic (lessons follow a logical, predictable order)

• Sequential (we don’t skip steps or rush the process)

When students master one concept before moving to the next, math becomes clear, not overwhelming.

(Orton-Gillingham math teaches in the order kids’ brains actually learn.)

Most math curriculums skip or rush these steps. Students are expected to make huge leaps—from counting to algorithms, from whole numbers to fractions—without a solid foundation. And when they can’t keep up, the result is frustration, self-doubt, and a growing fear of math.

But Orton Gillingham math does things differently.

It breaks math down, step by step, in a way that’s clear, consistent, and kind. We don’t just teach how to solve problems—we teach why the math works. And we don’t move on until it’s truly understood.

For students with dyslexia, ADHD, or dyscalculia, this structured math approach can feel like a lifeline. It lowers anxiety, removes confusion, and creates a calm, repeatable learning experience that builds confidence and competence.

So, what is Orton Gillingham math? It’s math taught with the same care, clarity, and structure as Orton-Gillingham reading. And for so many struggling learners, it’s the first time math actually starts to make sense.

The 7 Pillars of Orton-Gillingham Math

Let’s get real for a second: math is a struggle for a lot of kids. Especially the ones who are neurodivergent, anxious, or have been labeled as “behind.” If your child has ever burst into tears during homework or shut down mid-math problem, you’re not alone—and it’s not their fault. They just haven’t been taught in a way that works for their brain.

That’s where Orton-Gillingham comes in.

So, what is Orton Gillingham math? It’s a way of teaching math that’s structured, multisensory, individualized, and actually designed for how real kids learn—not how textbooks expect them to.

Here’s what makes it so powerful:

✅ Multisensory Instruction: Because Brains Learn Better When All Senses Are Involved

This isn’t just “hands-on math.” This is whole-body learning. In Orton-Gillingham math, we teach through sight, sound, touch, and movement—on purpose. It’s backed by brain science and helps build strong, lasting connections.

That might look like:

• Clapping out math facts

• Building equations with craft sticks

• Using color-coding to organize steps

• Tracing shapes or patterns with fingers while saying steps out loud

Multisensory math instruction makes learning stick. It’s especially powerful for students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, or ADHD—because it meets them where they are instead of forcing them to conform to traditional methods.

✅ Individualized Instruction: Because One-Size-Fits-All Never Fits

Your child isn’t average—and they shouldn’t be taught like they are. Orton-Gillingham math is deeply personalized. That means we move at your child’s pace, we revisit things as often as needed, and we use tools and strategies that actually work for them.

If your child needs to stay with number sense for a few weeks before moving to operations, we stay. If they need a different approach to grasp place value, we find it. No shame, no rush—just targeted, respectful teaching that builds true mastery.

✅ Structured and Sequential: Because Random = Chaos (Especially in Math)

Math builds on itself. If a student misses one concept, the next one becomes a mountain. Orton-Gillingham math follows a predictable, intentional sequence. We don’t jump from topic to topic—we layer skills logically, so nothing gets lost.

We start with the basics: What does “ten” mean? What does it look like? How does it relate to place value, and then to operations, and then to fractions?

Each concept builds directly on the last—just like a staircase. That’s how we prevent gaps. That’s how we build confidence. And that’s how we help kids finally say, “Ohhh… now I get it.”

✅ Incremental

“Every new lesson builds from what came before.”

In Orton-Gillingham math, each concept is taught in small, digestible steps—never dumping a huge new idea all at once. We build math understanding piece by piece.

This allows students to develop mastery without overwhelm. It’s how we prevent those “I’m totally lost” moments that happen in traditional programs when the pacing is too fast or disconnected.

✅ Cumulative

“We don’t leave yesterday’s learning behind—we bring it with us.”

Previously learned concepts are consistently reviewed and integrated into new lessons. That means students don’t just learn something and forget it two weeks later.

For example:

• A lesson on division might still include regrouping review.

• A fractions lesson might revisit number line strategies.

• Weekly warm-ups might spiral back to earlier place value concepts.

This is especially important for students with memory difficulties or slower processing speeds—it helps them feel secure and stay caught up.

✅ Based on Patterns and Structures

“Math has rules and patterns—our job is to help students see them.”

While OG reading focuses on phonograms, OG math emphasizes predictable patterns and relationships:

• Commutative and associative properties

• Place value structure

• Fact families

• Repeating patterns in multiplication tables

By making these patterns explicit, we give students tools to problem-solve, not just memorize. They start to see math as connected—and that’s when real confidence builds.

✅ Explicit

“We don’t hope they get it—we teach it clearly.”

In OG math, we never assume a student knows what “find the difference” means. We model it. Say it. Show it. Repeat it. We use precise language and we don’t skip steps—even if it feels obvious to us.

This pillar is especially important for students with language processing difficulties, anxiety, or executive functioning challenges. Clear, direct instruction removes ambiguity—and replaces it with clarity and calm.

Why These Pillars Matter

Together, these seven pillars form the foundation of what makes Orton Gillingham math so powerful. This isn’t about gimmicks. It’s about brain-based, trauma-informed, research-aligned instruction that finally gives struggling students a way in.

So the next time someone asks, “What is Orton Gillingham Math?”—you’ll know the answer.

It’s this.

It’s every piece of this.

So... What Is Orton Gillingham Math, Really?

It’s not a curriculum—it’s a philosophy. It’s a way of teaching math that’s responsive, research-based, and deeply respectful of how kids actually learn. Especially those who’ve been misunderstood or left behind by traditional instruction.

If your child needs math to make sense in a way it never has before, Orton-Gillingham math might be exactly what they’ve been waiting for.

✨ Multisensory math instruction can be transformative—but too often, it's not the default approach in schools.

That’s where advocacy comes in. My Advocating with Confidence course gives parents the tools to request (and actually get) these evidence-based methods written into their child’s plan.

How Orton-Gillingham Math Supports Diverse Learners (And Why It Works When Nothing Else Has)

With the right tools and teaching style, neurodivergent students don’t just survive math—they thrive.

Let’s be honest: traditional math instruction just doesn’t work for every learner. If it did, you probably wouldn’t be here reading this.

So what is Orton Gillingham math, and why is it such a game-changer for students with learning differences?

It’s not just about using colorful manipulatives or slowing things down. The real magic lies in how this approach adapts—intentionally and consistently—to meet the needs of diverse learners. Whether your child has a diagnosed learning disability, attention differences, or just hasn’t clicked with math yet, this structured, multisensory method offers something most programs don’t: flexibility without chaos and structure without rigidity.

🧠 For Students with Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, or Language-Based Learning Differences

Math is full of symbols, steps, and abstract thinking—and for many students with language-based learning challenges, that’s exactly where the breakdown begins.

Orton-Gillingham math makes those invisible ideas visible. We use tools like:

• Colored tiles to model number relationships,

• Tactile math boards to break down operations,

• Visual anchors like charts, diagrams, and even color-coding to teach multi-step problems.

By making math concrete and sensory-rich, we eliminate the “mystery” behind the numbers—and give students a fighting chance to actually enjoy math.

⚡️ For Students with ADHD or Attention Challenges

Let’s talk focus. Sitting through a 45-minute math lesson with zero movement and nonstop pencil pushing? That’s a no-go for most kids with ADHD.

Orton Gillingham math uses a structured, step-by-step approach that breaks tasks into digestible pieces. We teach kids how to think through a math problem without overwhelming their working memory. Even better? The individualized pacing lets us adapt in real-time—whether your child needs a brain break, movement-based activity, or simply more time to process.

When math instruction respects your child’s attention span instead of punishing it, everything changes.

🌍 For English Language Learners, Twice-Exceptional, and Other Unique Thinkers

This approach doesn’t just help students who struggle—it also supports those who learn differently or excel in unconventional ways. English learners benefit from the OG method’s clear language, step-by-step instruction, and visual supports. Gifted students thrive with structured enrichment layered on top of foundational mastery.

Bottom line? Orton Gillingham math isn't just for students with IEPs or diagnoses. It’s for any learner who needs math to be clearer, kinder, and actually make sense.

Integrating Orton-Gillingham Techniques into Your Math Curriculum (Without Starting from Scratch)

If you’re wondering how to bring Orton-Gillingham math strategies into the classroom—or your kitchen table—you don’t need to scrap everything and start over. That’s the beauty of it.

What is Orton Gillingham math, really? At its core, it’s a philosophy of instruction: teach in a way that is explicit, multisensory, structured, and responsive to the learner in front of you. It can be layered into almost any curriculum—whether you're homeschooling, supporting your child after school, or teaching a full class.

Here’s how to start making the shift:

🔁 Bring in Multisensory Math Activities (It’s Easier Than You Think)

You don’t need fancy materials or a Pinterest-perfect setup. What you do need is intentional engagement of the senses.

Try this:

• Use blocks or counters to model number combinations.

• Add color-coding to word problems or multi-step algorithms.

• Let students walk a number line taped to the floor.

• Incorporate drawing, clapping, building, or tracing steps out loud as part of problem-solving.

By combining movement, visuals, and hands-on tools, students form stronger mental connections—and start to feel more in control of their learning.

✏️ Personalize Instruction Like It’s a Non-Negotiable (Because It Is)

One of the most powerful shifts you can make is letting go of the idea that everyone should be in the same place at the same time.

Orton Gillingham math honors the individual learning profile of each student.

That means:

• Using data from informal assessments or observations to pinpoint exactly where a student is stuck.

• Providing extra time or reteaching a concept without stigma.

• Offering multiple strategies to solve a single type of problem—and letting students choose what works best for them.

This isn’t “differentiation” as a buzzword—it’s differentiation as a core value.

🧱 Stick With a Structured, Sequential Approach (This Is Non-Negotiable)

The biggest difference between Orton-Gillingham math and traditional math instruction? We don’t skip steps. We follow a clear, logical path from basic to complex—and we make sure every step is actually mastered before moving on.

That might look like:

• Focusing on number sense before algorithms

• Ensuring full understanding of place value before introducing regrouping

• Using concrete manipulatives before abstract symbols

• Explicitly teaching math vocabulary and process steps, not assuming kids will “pick it up”

And because the sequence is predictable, kids feel grounded. They understand where they are, what comes next, and how everything fits together.

That’s the real secret sauce—math becomes a journey they can actually follow.

Practical Strategies for Educators and Parents

Actually being able to interact with math can open up childnre's minds to see math in a whole new light.

(That You Can Start Using Right Now)

If you're reading this, chances are you're not just curious—you’re actively looking for a better way to support a child who’s struggling with math. Whether you're a parent feeling helpless at the kitchen table or an educator frustrated by one-size-fits-all curriculum demands, know this: you don’t have to reinvent the wheel to make a real difference.

What is Orton Gillingham math in action? It’s not just a teaching method—it’s a mindset shift. And it starts with small, intentional changes that add up to massive growth over time.

Let’s break it down.

🎒 For Educators: Bring the Orton-Gillingham Mindset Into Your Classroom

You don’t need to toss your entire math program. Start by layering in OG-informed strategies that honor how students learn best.

✔️ Build a multisensory learning environment.

Use number lines, base-ten blocks, colored counters, ten frames, bead strings—whatever helps students see and touch the math. Anchor abstract concepts to real-world experiences (fractions with measuring cups, geometry with paper folding). Let students draw their thinking. Let them move. Math doesn’t have to be silent or still.

✔️ Teach explicitly and directly.

Tell students what they’re learning, why it matters, and how to do it—step by step. Then model it, again and again. Use consistent language and routines. Don’t assume they know what “find the difference” means—teach it explicitly and reinforce it often.

✔️ Tailor instruction to the learner.

Watch closely. Who’s fidgeting because they’re bored? Who’s frozen because they’re overwhelmed? Use frequent, informal assessments (and your teacher instincts) to adjust pacing, reteach when needed, and offer multiple entry points to the same skill.

✔️ Prioritize process over product.

Let go of the pressure to “cover” content. Focus instead on mastery. If your student finally understands regrouping after three weeks instead of one, that’s not a delay—it’s a win.

🏡 For Parents: You Don’t Have to Be a Math Teacher to Make an Impact

You are your child’s most important teacher—even if math makes you break out in a cold sweat.

Here’s how to bring Orton Gillingham math into your home without needing a degree in education:

✔️ Make math part of everyday life.

Bake together and double the recipe. Sort laundry and count by twos. Play math card games. Estimate grocery totals. Let your child measure, compare, group, and predict. Math is everywhere—show them that it’s useful, not just something they suffer through at school.

✔️ Create a math-friendly environment.

Set aside a calm, organized space for homework or practice. Keep tools nearby—counters, scratch paper, highlighters, number lines, whiteboards. The goal isn’t Pinterest-perfect. It’s functional, predictable, and stress-reducing.

✔️ Celebrate effort, not just correct answers.

Praise your child for showing their work, trying a new strategy, or sticking with a tough problem. Remind them that struggle isn’t failure—it’s part of how learning happens. When they see that mistakes aren’t shameful, math anxiety starts to melt away.

✔️ Ask your child’s teacher what strategies are working in class.

Reinforcing the same language and visuals at home creates consistency. And if what’s happening in class isn’t working? That’s your cue to advocate. Ask about structured math approaches like Orton Gillingham. Share this blog. Bring them into the conversation.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

If you’re here wondering, What is Orton Gillingham math, and could it help my child?—that’s already a powerful first step. But you don’t have to do it alone. Whether it’s through tutoring, consulting, or just talking with someone who understands neurodiverse learners, getting support can change the trajectory of your child’s relationship with math.

Success Stories: Real-Life Applications of Orton-Gillingham in Math

One of the most powerful ways to understand the impact of this method is through lived experience. The question isn’t just “What is Orton Gillingham Math?”—it's “Does this really help kids?” The answer is yes. And I’ve seen it happen over and over again.

These real-world stories bring to life just how transformative this approach can be for struggling learners—whether it’s a student with a diagnosis, a classroom full of mixed needs, or a parent just trying to survive homework time.

📘 Alex’s Story: From Confusion to Confidence

Alex had been struggling with math since early elementary school. Diagnosed with dyslexia, he found the symbolic and abstract nature of traditional instruction almost impossible to process. Math lessons left him overwhelmed and defeated. His confidence took a nosedive.

But when Alex’s school introduced the Orton-Gillingham approach to math, everything began to change.

Multisensory techniques—like using manipulatives, color-coding equations, and visual tools—helped Alex finally connect with the math in a concrete, meaningful way. No more guessing or faking his way through. For the first time, he was really understanding.

Just as importantly, OG’s individualized pace meant he didn’t have to keep up with the class—he could move forward only when he was truly ready. Over time, his math skills improved dramatically. But what really stood out? His entire relationship with math transformed. He became curious. He spoke up. He started believing he could do it.

That’s the real win.

🏫 A District-Wide Success: Inclusion in Action

Another powerful example comes from a school district that decided to make systemic change. They knew their traditional math instruction wasn’t working for many students—especially those with IEPs, attention challenges, or trauma backgrounds. So, they leaned in.

The district trained their teachers in Orton-Gillingham-based math techniques and adopted a curriculum that followed OG’s structured, sequential format. Multisensory activities became the norm—not the exception. Students were no longer expected to memorize or perform—they were guided, supported, and given tools to truly learn.

The results were hard to ignore. Students who had been labeled “behind” or “unmotivated” started engaging with math. Confidence grew. Classroom behavior improved. Teachers felt more equipped, and students felt more seen.

This wasn’t just better math instruction. It was equity in action.

🏡 At Home with OG Math: Sarah and Her Son

Then there’s Sarah—a mom trying to help her son with ADHD survive nightly math meltdowns.

Traditional homework battles were a nightmare. He’d shut down. She’d get frustrated. Nobody was winning.

But Sarah decided to try something different.

She began using Orton-Gillingham techniques at home: breaking problems into manageable steps, using tools like number lines and counters, and incorporating short, engaging multisensory activities. She even changed the tone—celebrating effort instead of just correct answers.

The shift was slow, but steady. Her son’s anxiety eased. He started staying at the table longer. He began participating, asking questions, even laughing during math. His skills improved—but more importantly, so did their relationship with math and with each other.

This is the power of Orton Gillingham math in real life.

Resources for Implementing Orton-Gillingham in Math Education

Because You Don’t Have to Figure It All Out Alone

Once people start asking, “What is Orton Gillingham Math and how do I use it?”—they quickly realize the approach makes sense, but finding the right tools and support? That’s a whole different challenge.

Here’s the good news: there are more high-quality, aligned resources out there than ever before. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, a math interventionist, a private tutor, or a parent supporting your child at home, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. You just need the right guidance and materials.

🎓 Professional Development: Where the Real Shift Begins

Let’s start with the most powerful tool in the toolbox—professional development.

If you're an educator, investing in training that connects OG principles directly to math instruction will completely transform your approach. There are workshops, on-demand courses, and certification programs that teach exactly how to:

• Build multisensory math routines,

• Design structured and sequential lesson progressions,

• Use real data to individualize instruction (without getting overwhelmed),

• Adapt OG strategies for every age and ability level.

The best part? These trainings aren’t just theoretical—they’re practical. You’ll walk away with strategies you can use tomorrow.

👉 Pro tip: Look for training opportunities from organizations that specialize in dyslexia, dyscalculia, or multisensory math—especially those led by educators who’ve used OG math in real classrooms. That real-world lens makes all the difference.

📚 Instructional Tools That Actually Align with OG Math Principles

Not all materials are created equal—and most mainstream curricula are not built for diverse learners. So what is Orton Gillingham math-friendly material?

Here’s what to look for:

• Structured lesson plans that follow a logical, sequential order

• Hands-on manipulatives like place value chips, number lines, fraction strips, rekenreks, or bead strings

• Visual models and anchors for strategies (e.g., graphic organizers for word problems)

• Clear math vocabulary instruction and scaffolding for language-heavy tasks

• Spaced, spiral review for long-term retention

You can now find OG-aligned math workbooks, game-based activities, and online platforms that are built around these exact principles. These resources aren’t just extra—they’re essential for building a solid math foundation for students who learn differently.

💻 At-Home Resources for Parents (Yes, You Can Do This Too)

You don’t need to be a trained educator to bring OG math principles into your home. You just need the right tools—and a little guidance.

Here’s where to start:

• Online platforms: Look for instructional videos, interactive apps, and printable worksheets that emphasize step-by-step instruction, multisensory practice, and skill-building—not speed or memorization.

• Hands-on materials: Keep a stash of counters, dry erase boards, dice, index cards, coins, and colored pencils. Multisensory doesn’t mean fancy—it means tangible.

• Parent-friendly guides and books: There are several books designed to help families understand and use OG strategies at home. The best ones include visuals, clear language, and actionable steps for everyday routines.

👉 Bonus tip: Ask your child’s teacher or tutor what tools they’re using in sessions. Reinforcing the same strategies at home creates a seamless bridge—and that kind of consistency can be a game-changer.

💬 Want Help Choosing the Right Resources?

If this all sounds amazing but also a little overwhelming, that’s normal. Whether you’re a parent trying to make math feel less like a battlefield, or an educator ready to shift your entire math block—I’m here for it. Book a free consultation and we’ll figure out the right tools, strategies, or next steps together.

Common Challenges (and Real Solutions) in Using the Orton-Gillingham Approach for Math

Let’s talk about the hard parts—and how to make them easier.

Here’s the truth: While the Orton-Gillingham approach to math is incredibly effective, that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to implement. Especially if you’re juggling limited time, little training, or a classroom full of wildly different learners. Or if you're a parent doing your best to undo years of math trauma at the kitchen table.

If you've ever asked yourself “What is Orton Gillingham math and how the heck am I supposed to pull this off?”—you are absolutely not alone.

The good news? Every challenge has a solution. Let’s break it down.

🧠 Challenge 1: Lack of Training or Familiarity

The Problem:

The Orton-Gillingham approach isn’t typically taught in most teacher prep programs, and most parents have never even heard of it before Googling something like “why does my smart kid hate math.”

The Fix:

Start with professional development that focuses specifically on applying OG principles to math. Look for workshops, webinars, or certification programs led by people who actually use OG math in the real world.

For parents, start small with online guides, parent-friendly mini courses, or just one-on-one help from someone trained in this method. You don’t have to become an expert overnight. Just knowing how to support your child using a structured, step-by-step approach can make a massive difference.

📝 Remember: This isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about knowing enough to create safety, structure, and support for your learner.

⏱️ Challenge 2: Time and Energy Required for Individualized Instruction

The Problem:

OG math thrives on personalization. But tailoring instruction for each student—especially in a busy classroom—can feel overwhelming and unsustainable.

The Fix:

Use informal assessments or quick check-ins to identify the one skill each student needs most. Focus your energy there instead of trying to fix everything at once. Group students by need when you can. Repurpose existing resources. Collaborate with colleagues to share the workload and swap materials.

At home, parents can check in with teachers, ask for specific strategies, or use simple tracking tools to reinforce targeted skills in short bursts. You don’t need 90-minute sessions. You need consistency and clarity.

💡 Pro tip: A “less is more” mindset works beautifully here. One small, focused skill at a time creates momentum—and success.

🌀 Challenge 3: Resistance to Multisensory Activities

The Problem:

Let’s be honest—some kids (and even some adults) find multisensory learning unfamiliar or even uncomfortable at first. They might resist using manipulatives, balk at verbal repetition, or struggle to adjust to new routines.

The Fix:

Normalize it. Start small. Explain why you’re using these strategies and what they’re meant to do. Gradually introduce multisensory activities in short, predictable doses.

Offer choices. One student might prefer building with cubes while another likes drawing it out. Let them pick what works best. Keep the tone light and supportive—not forced. Over time, these strategies become second nature.

✋ Reminder: Multisensory learning isn’t a gimmick. It’s neuroscience-backed instruction. But it takes time to become a habit—and that’s okay.

Final Thoughts on Facing Challenges

It’s not just for the few. It’s for every child who has ever struggled to make sense of math… and every adult who’s ready to meet them with compassion, structure, and real support.

If you’ve made it this far, you already care more than most—and that’s half the battle.

So yes, implementing Orton-Gillingham math comes with challenges. But the payoff is worth it. When you stick with it—when you commit to teaching math in a way that actually makes sense to diverse learners—you’re not just building skills. You’re rebuilding confidence. You’re rewriting a child’s entire relationship with learning.

And if that’s not worth the effort, I don’t know what is.

The Future of Math Learning Starts Here

Let’s bring it all home.

By now, you know the answer to the question “What is Orton Gillingham Math?”—it’s not a curriculum, a program, or a buzzword. It’s a philosophy of math instruction that actually honors how diverse learners think, process, and grow.

This approach—rooted in multisensory instruction, individualized support, and a clear, structured path—has the power to completely transform how students experience math. It replaces anxiety with confidence. It swaps confusion for clarity. It helps kids stop feeling “broken” and start feeling capable.

And the best part? It’s not just for the few. It’s for every child who has ever struggled to make sense of math… and every adult who’s ready to meet them with compassion, structure, and real support.

Where We Go From Here

As educators, we can integrate these principles into our classrooms and create environments where all learners thrive. As parents, we can reinforce these strategies at home and advocate for instruction that meets our children where they are. And as a community, we can move away from the outdated idea that some kids are “just not math people.”

They are. They just need math taught differently.

The Orton-Gillingham approach offers us the framework to do exactly that.

But the truth is, this kind of transformation doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention, support, and the right tools—especially if you’re trying to navigate it on your own.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're wondering whether this approach could help your child, let’s talk. I offer free 20-minute consultations where we’ll discuss your child’s unique needs, walk through the options, and figure out the best next step—whether that’s personalized tutoring, executive functioning support, or just finally finding a way to make math make sense again.

👉 Click here to book your free consultation—I’d love to support you.

You don’t have to do this alone.And your child doesn’t have to keep struggling.

Let’s unlock math mastery—together.

M. susan

Susan Ardila is a certified educator, trained educational clinician, and founder of MindBridge Math Mastery. With over a decade of experience supporting neurodivergent learners, Susan specializes in helping students with dyscalculia, ADHD, and math anxiety unlock real understanding through multisensory, individualized instruction. She blends compassion with research-backed strategies to help families turn math struggles into breakthroughs—one step at a time.

📚 Recommended Courses & Training for Orton-Gillingham Math or Multisensory Math Instruction

🔹 1. Multisensory Math 1 & 2 – Marilyn Zecher, CALT

• Offered by: The Multisensory Training Institute (part of The Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center)

• Focus: Structured, sequential, multisensory math instruction rooted in OG principles

• Why cite it: It’s one of the gold standards for OG math training—especially for dyscalculia

• Website: www.marilynzecher.com

🔹 2. IDA-Accredited Orton-Gillingham Training Programs

• Focus: While primarily reading-focused, many IDA-accredited providers offer modules or extensions on math instruction

• Examples include:

  • The Institute for Multisensory Education (IMSE) – IMSE Math

  • Orton-Gillingham Online Academy – Includes add-ons for math support

• Website: www.dyslexiaida.org/accredited-programs

🔹 3. TouchMath Pro Certification

• Offered by: TouchMath University

• Focus: Tactile, multisensory math program for special education and intervention

• Why cite it: While not pure OG, TouchMath aligns closely with OG principles (structured, multisensory, explicit) and is widely used in SPED settings

• Website: www.touchmath.com

🔹 4. Ronit Bird – Dyscalculia & Math Difficulties

• Format: Self-paced videos and downloadable resources

• Focus: Hands-on, conceptual teaching strategies for students with math learning disabilities

• Why cite it: Highly respected in the UK and internationally, Ronit Bird’s resources are rooted in OG-compatible practices

• Website: www.ronitbird.com

🔹 5. Making Math Real – David Berg

• Offered by: Making Math Real Institute

• Focus: Developmental, multisensory math intervention approach for neurodivergent students

• Why cite it: Extremely structured and explicit, with strong emphasis on language integration and executive function—aligned with OG principles

• Website: www.makingmathreal.org

🔹 6. Lindamood-Bell’s On Cloud Nine® Math Program

• Focus: Visualizing and verbalizing math for concept imagery and number sense

• Why cite it: OG-adjacent; often used with students who struggle with symbolic representation and language processing in math

• Website: www.lindamoodbell.com

🔹 7. Math Recovery® (AVMR & MRIS Certification)

• Offered by: US Math Recovery Council

• Focus: Early numeracy intervention and diagnostic teaching

• Why cite it: Structured, sequential, and diagnostic—very compatible with OG-aligned math intervention

• Website: www.mathrecovery.org