Multisensory learning for kids means learning with all of the senses in the body. For example, when we think of traditional learning, we often stop at hearing and sight. However, using all the senses can have great benefits for your child. To give children every chance to learn new information, we should engage them on as many sensory levels as we can: sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch, and movement.
In fact, every lesson does not need to include every sense. Instead, the goal is to let kids engage with materials in more than one way. All kids benefit from multisensory lessons. In addition, when something is learned using more than one sense, the information is more likely to stay with them, and learning becomes more fun.
Why Multisensory Learning for Kids Helps
Multisensory learning can be especially helpful for kids who learn and think differently. According to Understood.org, more ways to experience a learning concept give kids more chances to connect with the material. As a result, kids can use their strengths to understand and work through problems, make meaningful connections, and remember the lesson.
Fun Ways to Add Senses to Your Child’s Lessons
Sight
- First, use color in your materials
- Add illustrations or photographs
- Make a video or watch one
- Create art
Hearing
- Also use audiobooks
- Listen to podcasts
- Add music
- Create rhymes, chants, or songs
Touch
- Use manipulatives, like blocks, balls, or small toys
- Also, create with clay and sculpting materials
- Use sand, textured objects, finger paint, and textured paper
Movement
- Then add clapping, stomping, jumping, dancing, or tossing a ball
Multisensory Activities to Get You Started
For example, try adding different senses to practice skills at home. Here are a few ways to try it:
- First, help your child learn vowel combinations and build a strong reading foundation with 5 Fun Ways to Teach Vowels, Vowel Combinations, and Digraphs
- Next, add touch, vision, and movement to math practice with 5 Effective Math Manipulatives and How to Use Them
- Finally, help your kids engage with books and improve comprehension with adapted books
Frequently Asked Questions
What is multisensory learning for kids?
Simply put, it is teaching that uses more than one sense at a time, such as seeing, hearing, touching, and moving. In short, using more senses helps information stick.
Who benefits from multisensory learning?
All kids benefit. However, it is especially helpful for kids who learn and think differently, like children with dyslexia.
Do I need special materials?
No. In fact, everyday items like clay, sand, blocks, music, and movement work well. For example, add one new sense to a lesson at a time.
How ETLC Can Help
If you have questions about supporting your child’s learning through multisensory strategies, we are happy to help. Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center has locations in Johnston and North Liberty, IA, with virtual services also available.
Learn more about learning support at ETLC or schedule a free consultation to talk with a member of our team.
You may also find these pages helpful:
- What Are Adapted Books?
- How to Teach Your Child Decoding Skills
- Fun Ways to Build Math Skills at Home
About the Author
Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, is the founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center. With over 25 years of experience as a speech-language pathologist, Sonia has dedicated her career to helping children overcome complex communication and academic challenges. She has advanced training and a special focus on treating dyslexia and childhood apraxia of speech, and she is passionate about providing families with a clear path to success.
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