Traditional preschool centers typically use visual and auditory techniques. While this may be effective for some children it is not contusive to all types of learning. Multi-sensory education stimulates learning by engaging students on multiple levels. Using this technique helps children learn through all of their senses. Utilizing multisensory techniques enable students to use their personal areas of strength to help them learn. They can range from simple to complex, depending on the needs of the student and the task at hand.
Learning Style
Some researchers theorize that many preschool students have an area of sensory learning strength, sometimes called a learning style. These researchers suggests that when children are taught using techniques consistent with their learning styles, learning is easier, faster and can they retain and apply concepts more readily to future learning. Most preschool children enjoy the variety that multi-sensory techniques can offer. Now we can go through some of the multi-sensory techniques which could be used to assist a student in his / her learning.
To stimulate visual reasoning and learning
– Text and/or pictures on paper, posters, models, projection screens, computers or flash cards
– Use of color for highlighting, organizing information or imagery
– Graphic organizers, outlining passages
– Student created art, images, text, pictures and video
The above mentioned techniques often include visual teaching methods and strategies.
Auditory Techniques
– Books on tape, peer assisted reading, and computerized text readers
– Video with accompanying audio
– Music, song, instruments, speaking, rhymes, chants and language games
Tactile Teaching Methods
Multisensory techniques that involve using the sense of touch are called tactile methods. Tactile methods include strategies such as:
– Sand trays, raised line paper, textured objects, finger paints and puzzles to improve fine motor skills
– Modeling materials such as clay and sculpting materials
– Using small materials called manipulatives to represent number values to teach math skills
Kinesthetic Methods
Multisensory methods using body movements are called kinesthetic methods. These involve fine and gross motor movements.
– Games involving jumping rope, clapping or other movements paired with activities while counting and singing songs related to concepts.
– Any large movement activity for students involving dancing, bean bag tossing or other activities involving concepts, rhythmic recall and academic competition such as quizzes, flash card races and other learning games.