Dr. Samuel Orton

Honoring Dr. Samuel Orton: A Pioneer Behind Kit's Reading Adventure

When we think of the breakthroughs that have changed how we understand learning differences, the name Dr. Samuel Orton stands tall. Often regarded as one of the founding figures in the study of dyslexia, Dr. Orton's pioneering work laid the foundation for the multisensory approach that has since helped countless children learn to read—including inspiring our story of Kit in Kit's Reading Adventure.

Dr. Samuel Orton, born in 1879, was a neurologist and pathologist with a passion for understanding how the human brain processes language. In an era when misconceptions about learning difficulties were widespread, Dr. Orton sought to break the stigma and find ways to help children overcome these barriers. His research, together with educator Anna Gillingham, led to the development of what we now know as the Orton-Gillingham approach—a structured, multisensory way of teaching reading. This method has been transformative for children struggling with dyslexia, offering them the tools they need to unlock the world of literacy.

Kit's Connection

Kit's Reading Adventure is a story that celebrates this very journey. Like so many children impacted by Dr. Orton's work, Kit is a young learner navigating the challenges of dyslexia. In her journal, readers get a firsthand glimpse of her ups and downs, her triumphs, and the resilience that keeps her going. Kit's story is about embracing who you are—struggles included—and finding the courage to grow, no matter what obstacles lie ahead.

Through Dr. Orton’s groundbreaking research, we learned that every child’s learning journey is unique, and we were inspired to share Kit's story in a way that feels authentic and hopeful. Kit's journey mirrors that of many children who find that, with the right support, they can thrive in their own way. We crafted Kit's Discovery Journal to include significant historical dates that honor pioneers like Dr. Orton, allowing young readers to understand that they, too, are part of a long history of resilience and innovation.

In celebrating Dr. Orton, we honor the powerful idea that every child can learn—and every story is worth telling. Just as Kit is discovering her own strengths, we hope young readers will see themselves reflected in her story and understand that there are heroes like Dr. Orton who have paved the way for their success.

Kit's Reflection

If I could sit down with my younger self, I’d see a girl facing challenges that seemed impossible to overcome. Dyslexia wasn't just a hurdle—it was something I struggled with every day that made me doubt myself. I remember the tears and the frustration of trying to read words that seemed to move around on the page. But I also remember the small victories that made it all worth it. The first time I read a book on my own, the joy of understanding a story, and the pride in myself—it all helped make me who I am today.

Dr. Orton’s work, even though I didn't know about it back then, was what helped guide my teachers and helped me. The multisensory tools and support I got were part of his legacy. Today, I look back and feel thankful—for every struggle and every success. They taught me to be strong, patient, and to never give up. To any child on this journey now: I see you. Keep going. You are stronger than you think, and every small step forward is a victory worth celebrating.

Vocabulary & Morphology

1. Dyslexia
   • Definition: A learning disorder that affects reading abilities, often involving difficulties with recognizing words accurately and fluently.
   • Prefix: dys- (meaning "bad," "difficult," or "impaired," from Greek)
   • Root: lex- (meaning "word" or "speech," from Greek lexis)
   • Suffix: -ia (meaning a condition or state, from Greek)
2. Multisensory
   • Definition: A teaching approach that uses multiple senses (e.g., visual, auditory, kinesthetic) to help children learn, especially helpful for those with dyslexia.
   • Prefix: multi- (meaning "many" or "multiple," from Latin)
   • Root: sens- (meaning "feeling" or "perception," from Latin sentire meaning "to feel")
   • Suffix: -ory (pertaining to, from Latin)
3. Orton-Gillingham
   • Definition: A structured approach to teaching reading that combines the work of Dr. Samuel Orton and educator Anna Gillingham, focusing on multisensory techniques to support learners with dyslexia.
   • Proper Nouns: Orton and Gillingham are the last names of Dr. Samuel Orton and Anna Gillingham, respectively. There is no morphological breakdown since they are proper names.