Phonics vs Multisensory Structured Language

What is the difference between Phonics and Multisensory Structured Language Instruction?

        The difference between a traditional phonics program and one that is research and based on Orton-Gillingham method is that it relies pretty much only on matching sounds and symbols.  There is no set structure or order to presenting each phoneme.  They also do not necessarily teach encoding and decoding together, which is extremely important.  Spelling is often considered secondary to reading and children are often expected to be behind in spelling vs reading.  There is a high reliance on visual memory in these traditional phonics programs.  

        In a structured language program, components are clearly and directly introduced in a very specific manner that is intended to maintain fidelity of the program.  This means taught in the exact way it was written, each and every time.  These programs typically require advanced training and professional certification.  They are not simply meant for a lay person to pick up and use.  Training is provided in how to meet the needs of a variety of learning disorders and include ways to remediate them.  Phonology and phonological awareness, sound-symbol association, syllable instruction, morphology, syntax and semantics are all included in the instruction in very specific ways.  Simultaneous visual, auditory, kinesthetic and tactile (VAKT) systematic, cumulative, direct and diagnostic teaching is used.  There are several respected programs that are available.  These programs ALWAYS focus on treating each child and their needs individually.