Multisensory Instruction

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin

Multisensory Instruction

My dogs have two different types of walks. One is an “exercise walk” when we look straight ahead at our path and I give loads of verbal praise to keep us moving. But their preferred walk is the “sniff walk” where we lollygag at their pace and every inch of ground gets sniffed with extensive, focused attention. I return home from these “sniff” walks with more information about what is in bloom, the direction and intensity of the breeze and bird songs playing in my memory. These multisensory “sniff walks” remind me of the value of using all of our senses to experience our world.

Engaging in the world through a multisensory lens we can gain and retain information in more meaningful ways. A multisensory approach enhances and enriches learning experiences keeping kids more engaged. It works to create new synaptic connections in their memory through multiple sensory experiences which support contextual learning and ensures a student will be more likely to recall the information. Giving students hands-on learning experiences that engage all of their senses may take longer, but just like a “sniff walk” the result pays off with great dividends.

One of my favorite materials to use with young learners is clay. It is an easy resource to obtain, can have scented oils added and it is a high interest material which directly engages focus. Having students create letters with clay to learn phonics is a straightforward visual and auditory lesson that also gives students an opportunity to learn kinesthetically. The added bonus is that they are also strengthening their fine motor muscles and skills as they work out the letters. And, let’s face it, clay is just fun.

- Michelle