The Benefits of Multisensory Instruction in Reading

Multisensory instruction is an educational approach that engages multiple senses to help students learn more effectively. It involves using visual, auditory, and kinesthetic-tactile methods to reinforce learning. For instance, when teaching reading, a teacher might use letter cards (visual), have students say the sounds out loud (auditory), and trace the letters in the air (kinesthetic). Recent research took a closer look at the benefits of multisensory instruction in reading.

The Science Behind Multisensory Instruction

The science of reading emphasizes that effective reading instruction should be systematic, explicit, and based on the understanding of how the brain processes written language. Multisensory instruction aligns with this by engaging different parts of the brain, which can enhance memory and understanding.

When students use more than one sense to learn, it helps build stronger neural connections, making it easier to retain and recall information. This method is especially beneficial for students with learning differences, such as dyslexia, but it also supports all learners in developing essential literacy skills.

Key Benefits of Multisensory Instruction in Reading

  • Enhances Reading Skills – Research has shown that multisensory instruction significantly improves reading skills. By engaging multiple senses, students are better able to grasp the relationships between letters and sounds, which is foundational for reading proficiency. For example, a student learning the letter “B” might see the letter, hear its sound, and trace it with their finger. This combination of sensory inputs helps reinforce the learning and makes it more likely that the student will remember and apply the knowledge in different contexts.
  • Improves Spelling Abilities – Spelling can be challenging for many students, particularly those with dyslexia. Multisensory instruction supports spelling by connecting the sound of a word with its visual representation and physical movement. This approach helps students better understand spelling patterns and rules, leading to improved spelling skills over time. For instance, students might say a word out loud while writing it with their finger in sand, combining auditory, visual, and tactile learning to strengthen their understanding.
  • Develops Phonological Awareness – Phonological awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in words, which is a crucial skill for reading. Multisensory instruction enhances phonological awareness by using a variety of methods to help students understand the sound structures of words. This foundation is vital for developing decoding skills, which are necessary for fluent reading.
Alphabet Athletics

Alphabet Athletics

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Creative Multisensory Ideas to Support the Science of Reading

To enhance literacy instruction and make learning more engaging, consider incorporating these creative multisensory activities. These strategies can help reinforce reading skills by engaging multiple senses, making the learning process more interactive and memorable.

  • Sensory Bins for Letter Exploration: Fill bins with materials like rice, sand, or beans, and hide letters or words inside. Students can dig through the bin to find and identify letters, providing a tactile and engaging way to reinforce letter recognition and phonics.
  • Music and Movement Phonics: Incorporate music and movement into phonics lessons by having students dance or march to songs that reinforce letter sounds and blends. Use songs that spell out words or focus on specific phonetic sounds, combining auditory and kinesthetic learning.
  • Chalk and Sidewalk Learning: Take learning outside with sidewalk chalk. Have students write letters, words, or sentences on the pavement. They can walk, hop, or skip from one letter or word to another, reinforcing their learning through movement and visual engagement.
  • Scented Writing Tools: Use scented markers or crayons to engage students’ sense of smell while they write letters or words. The scents help create a memorable learning experience, making it easier for students to recall what they’ve learned.
  • Storytelling with Texture: Incorporate different textures into storytelling by using textured materials to represent parts of a story. For example, use soft fabric for a character’s blanket or rough sandpaper to represent a path in the story, adding a tactile element to reading.
  • Interactive Word Walls: Create an interactive word wall where students can physically move words around to form sentences or practice spelling. Use magnetic letters, Velcro-backed words, or even words on blocks, combining visual, tactile, and kinesthetic learning.
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Action Word Writing Packet

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Using Multisensory Instruction in Occupational Therapy to Support Literacy

Occupational therapists can integrate multisensory instruction into their therapy sessions to support literacy development. By incorporating activities that involve fine motor skills, such as tracing letters in sand or forming letters with clay, occupational therapists can enhance the kinesthetic learning aspect of multisensory instruction. These activities not only reinforce literacy skills but also help improve motor coordination, which is essential for writing.

Occupational therapists can also use sensory-rich environments to engage students. For instance, using textured materials or tools like weighted pencils can add a tactile element to learning, making literacy instruction more engaging and effective for students who need additional sensory input.

Using Multisensory Instruction in Physical Education to Support Literacy

Physical education teachers can also incorporate multisensory instruction to support literacy. By combining movement with literacy activities, students can reinforce their learning in a dynamic way. For example, teachers can create obstacle courses where students must identify letters or spell words at different stations. This engages both the body and mind, helping students to better retain information. Another approach is to integrate literacy games that involve physical movement, such as hopscotch with letters or words. This not only reinforces phonics and spelling but also keeps students physically active, which can enhance focus and memory retention.

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A to Z Marine Animal Movement Cards

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Using Multisensory Instruction in Physical Therapy to Support Literacy

Physical therapists can incorporate multisensory literacy activities into their sessions to help students who may struggle with traditional literacy instruction. For example, they can use balance, aerobic or coordination exercises that also involve letter recognition or word-building. This dual focus on physical and cognitive skills can help reinforce literacy while also addressing the physical needs of the student.

Additionally, physical therapists can use tools such as therapy balls or balance boards in combination with literacy tasks, such as throwing a bean bag at a letter card while maintaining balance. This type of multisensory activity engages multiple parts of the brain, supporting both literacy and physical development.

Using Multisensory Instruction in Speech Therapy to Support Literacy

Speech therapists can use multisensory instruction to enhance both speech and literacy skills. For example, they can work with students on sound production while also incorporating visual aids, such as letter cards or pictures that represent the sounds. This helps students make connections between the sounds they produce and the letters or words they see. Therapists can also use tactile activities, such as having students trace letters while saying the corresponding sounds, to reinforce phonological awareness and sound-letter correspondence. This integrated approach can be particularly beneficial for students with speech and language delays who also struggle with literacy.

Using Multisensory Instruction in Counseling to Support Literacy

Counselors can incorporate multisensory literacy activities into their sessions to support students who might be struggling with reading due to emotional or psychological challenges. By using activities that engage multiple senses, counselors can help reduce anxiety around reading and make the learning process more enjoyable. For example, counselors might use calming sensory tools, such as fidget toys or stress balls, in conjunction with literacy activities. This can help students feel more at ease and focused during reading exercises, allowing them to better engage with the material.

The Promise of Multisensory Instruction

Multisensory instruction offers a powerful way to improve literacy outcomes for all students, particularly those who struggle with traditional methods. By engaging multiple senses, this approach supports the science of reading and provides a more comprehensive learning experience. Whether in the classroom, occupational therapy, physical education, physical therapy, speech therapy, or counseling, multisensory instruction can make a significant difference in students’ reading abilities and overall academic success. Creative approaches, such as those highlighted, can further enhance the effectiveness of this instructional method, making learning both fun and effective.

Reference

Vestal, P., Kilag, O. K., Alvez, G. G., Escabas, D., Ignacio, R., & Abendan, C. F. (2023). Bridging the Literacy Gap: A Multisensory Approach to Effective Intervention. Excellencia: International Multi-disciplinary Journal of Education (2994-9521), 1(4), 156-168.

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