- Multi-sensory Learning is a teaching approach that engages multiple senses – like sight, hearing, touch, and movement – to help students learn. Instead of just listening to a teacher or reading a book, students might use hands-on activities, visual aids, and even physical movement to better understand and remember what they're learning. This method is especially helpful for students with learning differences, as it taps into different ways the brain processes information.
- The Orton-Gillingham model is a specific type of multi-Sensory learning, originally developed to support students with dyslexia but now a proven approach to provide all learners with explicit and systematic reading instruction. This structured methodology teaches reading, writing, and spelling in a step-by-step way. The focus is on breaking down language into smaller parts – like sounds and letters – and teaches them using sight, sound, and touch. For example, students might trace letters in sand while saying the sound out loud. This repetition and use of multiple senses help make reading and writing easier to grasp.
Rachel Tabor, M.A.Ed., a Reading Interventionist at Needham Elementary School, is now a Level 4 IMSE OG Master Instructor and IDA Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist.
"This IMSE accreditation speaks volumes to our commitment as a school district to ensure high-quality and equitable literacy experiences for all of our students," said Tabor.