If your child is struggling with reading or spelling, you’ve probably come across two popular programs: Orton-Gillingham and EBLI. Both are structured literacy approaches designed to help students who have difficulty decoding words, but they differ greatly in how they teach and how quickly students progress.<

In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between EBLI vs Orton-Gillingham, explain why EBLI may be the better fit for your child, and help you make an informed decision.

What Is EBLI?

EBLI (Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction) is a research-backed method that teaches students how to read, spell, and write by starting with speech sounds first and then connecting them to print. Instead of relying on memorization or rules, EBLI teaches reading and spelling in a streamlined, brain-based way that focuses on efficiency and clarity.

Students are explicitly taught to break apart and build words by sound, applying what they learn immediately to real reading and writing—not just isolated drills. Instruction is multisensory, using sight, sound, and movement, but it emphasizes auditory processing first—because that’s how the brain learns language.

How Is EBLI Different from Orton-Gillingham?

Orton-Gillingham is a well-known approach with a long history of helping students with dyslexia. It’s structured, sequential, and multisensory—just like EBLI. However, OG-based programs tend to involve more rules, more steps, and longer timelines. Many also separate reading from spelling, which can slow down progress and cause confusion.

Here’s where EBLI stands apart:

• Faster results: Students often gain multiple grade levels of improvement in fewer hours of instruction.

• No memorization: EBLI eliminates sight word flashcards, syllable rules, and rote drills.

• Immediate application: Every skill taught is directly applied to real reading and writing—right away.

• Streamlined instruction: Instead of overwhelming students with inconsistent rules, EBLI teaches consistent patterns and tendencies in English.

• More efficient tutoring: Many students progress with just one lesson per week, rather than needing 2-5 sessions like other programs.

Why Parents Choose EBLI

Parents are often surprised by how quickly their child begins to read with confidence using EBLI. Because it removes unnecessary complexity, students feel empowered instead of overwhelmed. It also helps rebuild their relationship with reading, which is often damaged after years of struggle.

EBLI is not just for young children—it works for teens and even adults who never mastered reading. Whether your child is newly diagnosed or has tried other methods without success, EBLI provides a fresh, effective path forward.

Final Thoughts: EBLI vs Orton-Gillingham

Both EBLI and Orton-Gillingham aim to help struggling readers succeed—but EBLI stands out as the faster, simpler, and more modern approach. It’s based on current brain research and focuses on giving students the tools they need to read and spell with confidence—without burning them out.

If you’re looking for a reading program that delivers results without the stress, EBLI may be exactly what your child needs.