A couple of weeks ago we all started “quarantine school” or “distance learning.” For some, it’s been an easy transition, and for others, it’s brought on some challenges. As many of you know I work at a school for children that have dyslexia, ADHD and various language-based learning differences, and my daughter also attends this school. One of the teaching methods that is used, is through multisensory methods. Multisensory learning is a theory that individuals learn better if they’re taught using more than one sense. The senses usually employed in multisensory learning are visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile – VAKT. Other senses might include smell, taste, and balance.
Another reason I love Multisensory Learning is that it can be fun for the entire family!
When I first learned we were headed towards distance learning, I soon began to prep! My daughter’s attention span isn’t long so I knew if we were going to be successful at home, I had to have ways for her to learn using multiple senses because I know this method works at school! I also knew DJ who is in Pre-K could benefit from this method as well.
Today I’m going to share a few multisensory methods for teaching your elementary kids in different subjects!
Multisensory Reading Activities:
Sand and Shaving Cream Writing…use sand or shaving cream to write sight words. As you’re writing out the word, say the sounds each letter makes!
Create Textured Flashcards…write the sight word on the card with a marker, and trace the word with glitter pens. Students can then study the card and also trace the word.
Create a Paint Bags…Ziplock bags filled with paint. Students use their fingers to practice writing letters. Make sure to close the bags securely so there are no paint messes! Bags can also be created with sprinkles or colored salt.
Letter Magnets, Dry Erase Boards, Playdough will also be of great use for you in Multisensory Learning!
LEGOS will be your best friend for Multisensory Learning…write numbers on LEGOS and build towers, build Uppercase letters, put sight words on LEGOS and create sentences, learn how to create patterns with LEGOS.
There are many games you can play with LEGO’s, you can create games, count, and build. There are so many ways to utilize LEGO’s in your multisensory lessons!
Multisensory Math Activities:
Math Manipulatives: Use fun items like dry cereal, candy, fruit snacks, water beads, coins to count, add and subtract to complete math problems.
Hide numbers in sensory bins and let the children find the number.
Use Dice for Counting, Create Dice Flashcards to help with counting and math problems.
You can also utilize some of the activities that you use for reading for Math as well. Writing numbers in sand, shaving cream or paint bags.
Check out my Amazon Store for more supplies for Multisensory Learning at home!
Be sure to check out more Education Resources for Elementary Students…
For those of us that have been thrown into “homeschooling” due to COVID-19, the best way to think of Multisensory Learning at home is to utilize items you have at home! A couple of days ago we worked on counting with coins at home…
Please don’t overthink it! Your children will be happy to try something new and exciting. This is a new experience for the family, so have fun and enjoy the process with your children!
