All children do not learn in the same manner in regards to reading, writing, and spelling.
Using a multisensory approach as an instructional strategy is a benefit to all learners.
This is incorporating all the senses, having hands, eyes, ears, and voices work simultaneously
in order to organize and retain information. Providing children with tactile (touch) and
kinesthetic (motor/touch) experiences enhances their success in language arts. Through moving,
doing and touching, children learn best. The following suggestions are provided for you to use
at home!
Suggestions for multisensory instruction include:
Note: When I mention the word trace, your child is using their finger. When I
mention the word write, your child is using a writing tool.
1) Have children learn letters and sounds through air writing. This is best when paired with
a visual guide, such as a top, middle, and bottom line drawn on a board. As children write each
letter in the air, they produce the sound.
2) Have children trace letters or words in sand, pudding, or shaving cream. Using a
wet sponge, children can write on a chalkboard or driveway. Present the letters in a random
manner.
3) Have children trace letters and words on sandpaper or other bumpy materials.
4) Have children write letters and words on plastic netting with crayons or erasable
markers.
5) Have children count syllables by placing their hand under their chin. With each
spoken syllable in a word, the chin will drop.
6) Have children tap a finger every time a sound is produced in a word. For example,
if a child was tapping the sounds in the word black, he/she would tap four fingers because it
has four sounds. (/b/ /l/ /a/ /ck/)
7) Fill a plastic bag with gel, pudding, or other substance and have your child
trace letters and words on it.