/ Module 2A: Introduction to Multisensory Activities and the Curriculum / Module 2B: Multisensory Learning and Sensory Stories / Module 2C: Multisensory Literacy / Module 2D: Multisensory Maths

Module 2A: Introduction to Multisensory Activities and the Curriculum

A multisensory curriculum ensures that activities involve and engage multiple senses so learners can effectively access themes or topics. It ensures that learners are learning and understanding through their senses in a way that is personalised and appropriate for them.

For example, multisensory activities and opportunities could include (click the arrow to expand each one or click here to expand all of the examples below):

Audio

Visual

  • Using photos, symbols, animations, videos or real objects to support understanding
  • Using portable technology to help children access and complete an activity
  • Using classroom displays e.g. different sized and appropriately placed balls to represent the solar system which could dangle from the ceiling

Touch

  • Using items such as plasticine, cardboard or lego to create and make letters, numbers or items relevant to the curriculum e.g. a castle
  • Using props to enhance a child’s understanding of an environment, painting or era. For example, viewing a painting could be enhanced by touching objects that represent items within the painting e.g. ice or grass

Movement

  • Staff can help learners use core and motor skills to improve memory, concentration, handwriting and communication skills in a variety of ways
  • For example, movement can be used to represent different experiences e.g. how take off might feel for an astronaut
  • Movement breaks can be used to provide proprioceptive and vestibular input to assist concentration

Smell

  • Smell can provide a really powerful learning experience and can help represent particular environments. The smell of the sea, for example, is instantly evocative. These activities would need to be planned carefully and respectfully (e.g. not just putting a lemon under someone’s nose!)

Taste

  • Taste can also be very powerful but again as with smell, only as appropriate. For students with feeding and swallowing difficulties, reference must always be made to a speech and language therapist before taking part in tasting activities. Equally, special care must be taken for children with allergies

Staff need to think about how they carefully introduce the sensory experience.

This video briefly explains what a sensory curriculum and activities could include

Click here to download a transcript of this video

Supportive LGfL Resources

Key Points

  • Multisensory learning activities and a multisensory curriculum enables learning through multiple senses and can be tailored to different learners
  • There are many opportunities that can be used to help access learning through vision, hearing, sound, smell, taste and movement
  • Sensory experiences and activities need to be planned carefully and respectfully rather than providing a sensory assault for a learner which is not appropriately introduced or supported

Thinking Point

Think of a topic or theme that you currently teach. What multisensory activities could you include to extend and enrich the learning?

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