There is no one way to teach. Similarly, there is no one way to learn. Best practices for effective instruction and student achievement require a multisensory approach. While this blog post specifically discusses tapping into the senses while in a virtual learning environment, it is important to note many of these ideas can be used in face-to-face instruction, too!
Why use a multisensory approach?
In a virtual world, students and teachers alike are feeling disconnected. The coronavirus pandemic has kept many of us from brick and mortar classrooms. The isolation is real. Utilizing a multisensory approach keeps online instruction interesting. Designing lessons with the senses in mind adds a level of excitement for high student engagement. Multisensory instruction also allows teachers to connect with all types of learners, meeting individuals where they are at with what they need in order to be successful with virtual learning.
Observe, record, tabulate, communicate. Use your five senses. Learn to see, learn to hear, learn to feel, learn to smile, and know that by practice alone you can become expert.
William Osler
๐ Visual Strategies for Multisensory Instruction
Visual learners like to SEE their learning. Diagrams, mind maps, charts, and graphic organizers help visual learners process new information. Engage your visual learners online with:
- Color-coded instructions, anchor charts, etc. – traffic light colors could stress the importance of specific tasks
- Picture prompts for class activities (ex: display a first/then sequencing chart for multistep assignments)
- Visual schedules and directions – use a countdown timer for each activity/transition!
- Powerpoints or Google slides to follow during lecture
- Opportunities to doodle or draw their thoughts
- Encourage notetaking by having students copy down projected information
๐บ Kinesthetic Strategies for Multisensory Instruction
Kinesthetic learners like to MOVE with their learning. Kinesthetics prefer to physically engage with your lessons. Movement keeps this type of student focused and processing new information. Engage these learners online with:
- Brain breaks – GoNoodle has many kid-appropriate guided dances!
- Assigning academic vocabulary a physical movement
- Roleplaying stories
๐ Auditory Strategies for Multisensory Instruction
Auditory learners like to HEAR their learning. Students with this learning style often speak aloud or hum during class… so let them! Provide opportunities for accountable talk. Engage your auditory learners online with:
- Music – I love Flocabulary for academic raps!
- Tone – change your pitch to emphasize specific words in the lecture
- Opportunities to speak and listen to others explain their thinking
- Sound cues – specific sounds for transitions and time blocks
- Callbacks and repetitive song
- Lesson recordings (for later listening and reference)
- Audiobooks or peer to peer readings
๐ Tactile Strategies for Multisensory Instruction
Tactile learners like to MANIPULATE and TOUCH their learning. There are two main groups of tactile learners: those that like to manipulate tangible objects and those that take notes. Engage students with this learning style online with:
- Interactive lessons – drag and drop activities (I love these free online math manipulatives!)
- Virtual word walls, color-coded by thematic unit or subject
- Screen sharing videos, diagrams, and anchor charts
- Finger tracing or tapping – great for letter sounds, spelling, syllables, etc.
ACTIONABLE STEPS: How can you tap multiple senses with one lesson? What strategies do you already utilize in the classroom when lesson planning for maximum student success? Got a multisensory strategy for virtual learning? Share it all in the comments below!
