It's helpful for many children, particularly those with learning challenges, to learn using all five senses. Multi-sensory learning benefits students because creates multiple pathways to new information, ultimately making recall easier. You can offer students at-home academic support to enhance what your child is learning in the classroom by introducing multi-sensory activities. These activities are a great way to make the time you spend together educational and fun.
Learn to spell in the mud.
First, make flashcards with a spelling word on each card. Then, pour some water on a patch of dirt in your yard and arm your child with a stick. Look at each flashcard, then have your child use the stick to spell the word in the mud. When your mud patch gets filled with words, you can pour more water on the mud and start over. Physically writing the words with his arm will help add movement activate the sense of touch. Your child will also love playing in the mud!
Recognize sight words with balloons.
Help your child learn to recognize sight words quickly with a balloon toss. Take some deflated balloons, and have your child write the words he is learning on the balloons using a permanent marker. Then, blow up and tie the balloons. Gather the balloons in a pile on the floor, pick up one of the balloons and toss it to your child. When he catches it, have him say the word on the balloon out loud. Repeat this until you have tossed all of the balloons. Then, you can play again, or have him toss the balloons to you.
Teach letters in the kitchen.
A good lesson for students learning the alphabet and phonics is a kitchen scavenger hunt. Give your child a letter, then have him search through the fridge or pantry to bring you an ingredient that begins with that letter. When he has finished picking out foods with all of the letters you give him, he can have a snack of his favorite item he picked out to incorporate taste, too!
If your child is going to be home during the upcoming holidays, take advantage of his free time in a productive way by implementing some multi-sensory lessons. These ideas make great Thanksgiving activities for kids. You can ensure that your children stay active and have fun learning, even while on vacation.
