Multi-sensory learning is an educational approach that involves engaging multiple senses during a learning experience. Specifically, multisensory learning is a process that consists of learning a new subject through the use of two or more senses, which may include visual, auditory, tactile or synesthetic, olfactory, and gustatory sensations. While research shows that more information is processed through the brain when multiple senses are engaged, it is especially beneficial to neuro-diverse students. Conducing learning outdoors is a fantastic way to create a multi-sensory experience.
There are several benefits to muti-sensory learning. Some of them include:
Engagement
Multi-sensory activities are hands-on and often involve active participation. This encourages kids to be active and involved in the lesson.
Integration of Senses
Combining multiple senses simultaneously reinforces learning. These learning opportunities help the development of sensory integration. Sensory integration is how the brain organizes and interprets sensory information from the environment. This process is how we make sense of the world around us. The brain must integrate and interpret signals from various sensory receptors to create a cohesive and meaningful perception of the environment.
Improves Motor Planning
Sensory integration is closely linked to motor planning and coordination. Gross and fine motor development is essential in early childhood education. Before a child can learn to write, they need an awareness of how their body exists in space.
Acorn to Oak’s Curriculum takes a multi-sensory approach of learning. Try our curriculum for free here.
