How Can A Multi-Sensory Task Be Taught?

Question

TEACHING A 'SENSATIONAL' TASK PART BY PART

See it (VISUAL) - How?

Hear it (AUDITORY) - How?

Do it and Feel it (KINESTHETIC AND TACTILE) - How?

Connect it (PUT IT ALL TOGETHER) - How?

Answer 1

The way I go about teaching my students multisensory tasks are as follows:

VISUAL:

Including text and pictures on posters, computer screens, or presentations.

Color for highlights, using educational imagery, student-created art, graphs and charts.

AUDITORY:

Incorporating music.

Incorporating audiobooks, peer reading, language games, songs, instruments, speaking, or videos and movies.

TACTILE:

Sand trays, textured paper or items, puzzles, and finger painting.

Using clay and sculpting materials so the student will be able to feel and focus on the sensation of touching.

MOVEMENT:

Incorporating games that involve movement, like jump rope, dancing, clapping, or other fun things the students enjoy.

Academic competition such as racing, flash cards, quizzes - anything involving rhythmic recall and reflecting on different concepts.

Answer 2

I love the response above! Those are great examples of incorporating multi-sensory learning. It offers activation of all senses and therefore different parts of the brain. Not to mention, everyone learns differently, so something might connect more with one learner compared to another.

Another effective way to determine learning styles and strengths is through interest inventories, learning style assessments, and conversations with the student. They should have input on their learning and be able to reflect on works best. Even when that is determined, it is still important to engage with other learning styles in addition to focusing on what makes most sense for the student. This helps internalization and practical application of the skill.