Why Multisensory Teaching Works Well for Dyslexic Children

Multisensory teaching impacts children through more than one sense. If he can see it, he can hear it, and he can touch--handle--and experience it, he has a three way shot at remembering what he is learning. This learning style is also known as a VAK modality: Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic (tactile.) Traditional teaching, in which we see it on the board, and hear the teacher say it, is visual and auditory. Adding that third, kinesthetic approach gives children a lasting tactile memory.

Children who are just learning to write, and especially children with dyslexia, have a tendency to turn things around. Where does the little hump on the 'h' go? On which side of the stick does the circle go to make a 'b'? Or how about a 'd'? What about a '5'? Backwards it looks kind of like a '2.' Frontwards, it's almost an 'S.' Correct the child who makes that backward 5, and she'll do it right, but next week you may notice it flipped right back. Isn't there a way to create a mental picture of a '5' that will stay with her? Yes, there is, and it's fun.

It's the Three Way Multisensory Solution for Children Learning to Write

Show it (visual) say it (audio) and then let the child write it in the most surprising, tactile way you can imagine (kinesthetic.) A big three foot high '5,' written in the snow, or the sandbox, with a big stick; a big splashy '2,' painted on the sidewalk with water, or written in whipped cream with a finger. These tactile exercises make a lasting impression. You can start out with the numbers and letters the child typically "flips" or do the entire alphabet and numbers 1 to 10, a few at a time..

Other Multisensory Ideas for Children to Learn Letters and Numbers

The Sandpaper Solution.

Cut big letters and numbers out of sandpaper. Then do your show and tell (visual and auditory). Then let your little student "feel" the letters and numbers. Next, have her do it blindfolded and see if she can feel which one is which!

The Tactile Texture Trick.

Use plastic letters and numbers, or cut them out of poster board. Pick the problem ones (the "flippers"), or start with the first five letters in the alphabet, and/or numbers 1 through 5. Now, help the child add texture to them. He can make that "b" by gluing rice to it. She can make the 'd' out of velvet. Glue round pieces of candy, or beads to one of them. Remember how that '5' kept flipping over? If she covers it with sequins, she'll never forget that the shiny way is the right way.

The Rope and Rock Racket.

Get some lengths of thick rough rope. The child can "write" with the rope, by shaping it into letters and numbers, then gluing it down. Or get a bucketful of rocks and let the kids line them up in letter shapes. The same principle works with cheap feather boas from the dollar store, popcorn on a string or inexpensive garlands.

The Play-dough Picture.

Get out lots of colors of play-dough and have children create numbers and letters made with them.

The B&D Bed.

This was suggested in the Dyslexic Newsletter (see picture.) Print the word 'bed' and draw a child lying in it. It's an easy way to remember the 'b' needs a stick for a headboard, and the 'd' needs a stick for the foot of the bed.

Why Visual-Auditory Teaching Alone May Not Work Well for Dyslexic Children

According to the Dyslexic Newsletter, dyslexic children may have difficulties with both or either of these senses. "The child's vision may be affected by difficulties with visual tracking, visual processing or seeing the words become fuzzy or move around. The child's hearing may be satisfactory on a hearing test, but auditory memory or auditory processing may be weak." Remember, in dyslexia the brain processes written or verbal language differently. It is not an intellectual deficiency. In fact, dyslexia is found at all levels of intelligence, from below average to highly gifted.

Let Dyslexic Children and Others Learn Letters and Numbers the Multisensory Way.

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Source:

http://www.dyslexia-teacher.com/t23.html Free dyslexia newsletter