Multisensory Learning:

A Win-Win Strategy for Dyslexic and Neurotypical Students

In the previous post, Reframing Dyslexia, we explored the challenges faced by dyslexic learners in traditional classroom settings, drawing on The Dyslexic Advantage by Brock and Fernette Eide. These challenges often stem from the mismatch between their cognitive strengths and the typical demands of the school environment. While dyslexia can present obstacles in reading, writing, and processing information, it is essential to recognize the unique strengths that dyslexic learners possess—like big-picture thinking, narrative reasoning, and spatial abilities—that are often underused in classrooms. Now that we understand the problem more clearly, let’s shift our focus to actionable strategies. By making small but meaningful changes to our instructional practices, we can better support dyslexic learners and help all students thrive in more inclusive and engaging environments.

In creating more inclusive classrooms, we often search for strategies that benefit all learners. One such approach that has shown remarkable promise is multisensory learning. This method, which engages multiple senses simultaneously, isn’t just beneficial for students with dyslexia—it can enhance learning experiences for all students, creating a true win-win scenario in our classrooms.

What is Multisensory Learning?

Multisensory learning involves teaching methods that engage more than one sense at a time. Instead of relying solely on reading or listening, these techniques might incorporate visual, auditory, tactile (touch), and kinesthetic (movement) elements. By activating multiple neural pathways, this approach can help information stick more effectively in students’ minds.

Benefits for Dyslexic and Neurotypical Students:

For students with dyslexia and for all students, multisensory techniques can provide alternative routes to understanding that bypass the challenges associated with traditional text-based learning. These methods can help strengthen memory, improve focus, and boost confidence.

But the benefits extend far beyond students with learning differences. Neurotypical students also gain from multisensory approaches. These techniques can:

– Increase engagement and motivation

– Improve retention of information

– Cater to diverse learning preferences

– Enhance critical thinking skills

– Foster creativity

Educational research has demonstrated the effectiveness of multisensory instruction across various age groups, subject areas, and learning contexts. By actively engaging multiple senses, these activities allow students to strengthen neural connections and retain information more effectively. However, it’s important to note that the specific implementation of multisensory techniques can vary, and effectiveness may depend on factors such as the learner’s individual needs, the subject matter, and the quality of instruction. Let’s look at some practical examples of how multisensory learning can transform different subjects.

Practical Examples of Multisensory Learning:

Multisensory learning benefits all students, as well as neurodiverse students, as you’ll see in these examples.

1. Language Arts:

For spelling practice, students can trace letters in sand or shape them with modeling dough, adding a tactile element. Instead of simply reading a story, have students act it out. This engages visual, auditory, and kinesthetic senses. This can bring a fairy tale to life in the early grades and clarify complicated scenes in a Shakespeare play in high school.

2. Mathematics:

Use manipulatives like blocks or beads to teach counting and basic operations. Have students create shapes with their bodies or build 3D models for geometry. Teach square and cube roots with blocks or tiles. These hands-on activities make abstract concepts more concrete, and there are many resources for manipulatives lessons.

3. Science:

I taught science and found that students liked active, hands-on science and learned well from it. Each unit centered on a key STEM concept illustrated with one or more experiments conducted by a team. We discussed their findings, and each student wrote up what they learned in their science notebooks. The unit would conclude with a design thinking project or engineering challenge connected to the STEM concept. For example, a physics unit on force and motion might have a series of experiments about the variables that affected catapult performance. Then student teams would design and build their own catapults, which we celebrated with a field day to show off their work and learning. Often, other classes or parents would come to watch.

Sometimes, we’d partner with a calculus class for inter-grade, interdisciplinary learning. After my class was ready to test their catapults, we’d add some math students to each team. The challenge: use calculus to create a mathematical model predicting how far the catapult might shoot its projectile. The teams applied principles of physics and calculus to model the motion of the projectile. They predict the projectile’s maximum range by optimizing the angle of launch and the initial force applied.

This hands-on activity brings multiple senses into play—students physically interact with the model, visualize the trajectory, and mentally process the mathematical relationships at work. When they test their predictions by launching the catapult and measuring the actual distance, they immediately see how the math they learned applies in the real world. The experience solidifies their understanding of physics and calculus and creates a memorable learning moment where students work together and appreciate each other’s skills.

4. Social Studies:

   Create a “living museum” where students dress up as historical figures and present information. Go further and reenact key scenes in history. Everyone knows that a class debate has an energizing effect. This combines visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning while making history come alive.

Implementing Multisensory Strategies in the Classroom:

1. Start Small: Don’t feel pressured to overhaul your entire curriculum overnight. Begin by incorporating one multisensory element into a lesson each week.

2. Use Available Technology:

For those with access, tools like interactive whiteboards, educational apps, and virtual reality can add powerful multisensory elements to lessons. However, multisensory instruction doesn’t have to rely on high-tech tools. Teachers can use low-cost alternatives, like whiteboards, chart paper, and manipulatives, to provide rich, interactive experiences. Creating physical models using blocks or handmade materials can bring abstract concepts to life, particularly in subjects like math and science.

3. Encourage Movement: Incorporate physical movement into lessons where possible. This could be as simple as having students stand up to answer questions or using gestures to remember vocabulary words.

4. Create a Sensory-Rich Environment: Use posters, models, and other visual aids. Play background music during independent work time. Allow fidget aids for students who need tactile stimulation.

5. Involve Students: Ask for their input on how they’d like to learn a topic. This promotes engagement and may lead to creative multisensory ideas.

Addressing Potential Challenges:

1. Time Constraints: Multisensory lessons can take longer to plan and execute. Try collaborating with colleagues to share ideas and resources. Sometimes I’d plan a unit, share it with a colleague, and alternate for the next unit. I also found that when I stopped trying to “cover” so much and focused on depth and meaning, my students learned more and we all had more fun.

2. Resource Limitations: Not all schools have access to high-tech tools. Remember that many effective multisensory activities require minimal resources—creativity is key—as suggested above.

3. Classroom Management: More interactive lessons can lead to more talking and moving around the room. This is a plus, not a minus! Establish clear expectations and routines to maintain a productive learning environment. However, learn the difference between the sound of happy, engaged learning and out-of-control bedlam.

4. Diverse Needs: Some students may find certain sensory inputs overwhelming. Offer alternatives and be flexible in your approach.

Multisensory learning isn’t just a strategy for supporting students with dyslexia—it’s a powerful approach for fostering inclusive, engaging classrooms that meet the needs of diverse learners. Every small change towards a more sensory-rich environment helps unlock the potential of all students, building a more inclusive learning community.

As you implement these strategies, remember that the goal is not perfection but progress. Start with small changes and subtle shifts, observe the impact, and adjust as needed. Every step towards a more multisensory classroom is a step towards better learning for all your students.

In a following post, we’ll explore how we can use technology to support diverse learners in the classroom. What multisensory strategies have worked for you? Please share your ideas and successes!