The Multisensory Math Approach is an outgrowth of an effort to apply strategies from traditional Multisensory instruction to conceptually based mathematics instruction. Though this approach cannot claim to be evidence based itself, the strategies recommended are drawn from sources which offer them such as the Institute for Educational Science. The approach also utilizes reseach informed strategies and we make every attempt to cite where our strategies come from in all presentations. We also base many of our strategies on findings from neuroscience, especially relating to the intersection between language and mathematics.
First of all, this is not a curriculum or a program per se. It is an approach. It is concept focused but includes direct or explicit instruction strategies which can support differentiation, sub skill practice or in small components provide support for individual concepts within a curriculum setting. Using a diagnostic prescriptive approach to instruction, one might use some of these strategies in a pull out or push in setting. They also might consitutue a greater component of academic therapy in which a provider shors up foundation skills so that the concepts can be linked to higher level content. The goal however is math reasoning, conceptual understanding, informed procedureal knowledge and incremental fluency development that leads to mathematical reasoning and independent functioning.
This approach is also an Orton-Gillingham based math instruction. While the original methods were created to meet the needs of diverse learners, recommended strategies are based on evidence which also incorporate the science of learning and are appropriate for all learners. Thus you might use some of these strategies in inclusion seeting, ESOL classes, even general education classes, intervention settings or academic support sessions. These strategies rely on recommendations from the IES, the What Works Clearinghouse Practice Guides as well as evidence from neuroscience. In fact, more and more curricula today suggest using manipulatives and direct instruction to guide concept development. The difference with this program is the emphasis on the instructional language. For some students, the language of instruction is the critical link to concept formation and the development of skills toward application. The Multisensory Math Program advocates a Concrete-Representational-Abstract Instructional Sequence and explicit language to make math concepts memorable. The CRA instructional sequence is also a bridge which can be used for repetition and practice in any combination of components.
This Multisensory Math Approach has been developed by Marilyn Zecher, M.A., CALT, a nationally known speaker, former classroom and demonstration teacher, a certified academic language therapist and specialist in working with student who have dyslexia and related learning disabilities. The original Multisensory Math Courses were offered by Joyce Steeves Ed.D and were expanded and adapted for upper level content by Ms. Zecher. The current courses are offered both in person and through distance learning through The Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center in Rockville MD. Graduate credits are available through Trinity University in Washington D.C.
Additional webinars and some workshops are also available on the website www.multisensorymath.online. Contact the administrator at [email protected]. for additional information.
Ms Zecher is also frequently featured in one and two day workshops at schools and universities across the United States. Distance and on-site courses are offered through The Multisensory Training Institute of ASDEC in Rockville Maryland (http://www.asdec.org). The ASDEC center is a non-profit training center specializing in certifying teachers and specialists in multisensory reading, math and study skills. It is an IMSLEC accredited training center.
Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to make tutor referrals. I train mostly full time teachers and though some individuals who take the courses or participate in workshops are tutors or parents, I cannot keep track of which participants tutor, or where they live.
Ms Zecher also consults with schools and organizations as an independent consultant. To schedule a consultation, contact Ms Zecher directly.
First of all, this is not a curriculum or a program per se. It is an approach. It is concept focused but includes direct or explicit instruction strategies which can support differentiation, sub skill practice or in small components provide support for individual concepts within a curriculum setting. Using a diagnostic prescriptive approach to instruction, one might use some of these strategies in a pull out or push in setting. They also might consitutue a greater component of academic therapy in which a provider shors up foundation skills so that the concepts can be linked to higher level content. The goal however is math reasoning, conceptual understanding, informed procedureal knowledge and incremental fluency development that leads to mathematical reasoning and independent functioning.
This approach is also an Orton-Gillingham based math instruction. While the original methods were created to meet the needs of diverse learners, recommended strategies are based on evidence which also incorporate the science of learning and are appropriate for all learners. Thus you might use some of these strategies in inclusion seeting, ESOL classes, even general education classes, intervention settings or academic support sessions. These strategies rely on recommendations from the IES, the What Works Clearinghouse Practice Guides as well as evidence from neuroscience. In fact, more and more curricula today suggest using manipulatives and direct instruction to guide concept development. The difference with this program is the emphasis on the instructional language. For some students, the language of instruction is the critical link to concept formation and the development of skills toward application. The Multisensory Math Program advocates a Concrete-Representational-Abstract Instructional Sequence and explicit language to make math concepts memorable. The CRA instructional sequence is also a bridge which can be used for repetition and practice in any combination of components.
This Multisensory Math Approach has been developed by Marilyn Zecher, M.A., CALT, a nationally known speaker, former classroom and demonstration teacher, a certified academic language therapist and specialist in working with student who have dyslexia and related learning disabilities. The original Multisensory Math Courses were offered by Joyce Steeves Ed.D and were expanded and adapted for upper level content by Ms. Zecher. The current courses are offered both in person and through distance learning through The Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Education Center in Rockville MD. Graduate credits are available through Trinity University in Washington D.C.
Additional webinars and some workshops are also available on the website www.multisensorymath.online. Contact the administrator at [email protected]. for additional information.
Ms Zecher is also frequently featured in one and two day workshops at schools and universities across the United States. Distance and on-site courses are offered through The Multisensory Training Institute of ASDEC in Rockville Maryland (http://www.asdec.org). The ASDEC center is a non-profit training center specializing in certifying teachers and specialists in multisensory reading, math and study skills. It is an IMSLEC accredited training center.
Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to make tutor referrals. I train mostly full time teachers and though some individuals who take the courses or participate in workshops are tutors or parents, I cannot keep track of which participants tutor, or where they live.
Ms Zecher also consults with schools and organizations as an independent consultant. To schedule a consultation, contact Ms Zecher directly.
2025 Looking Forward Already we are planning both the MSM 1 and MSM 2 courses at Walsh University in Canton Ohio. Those will be in June during the final two weeks. Jennifer Scaffidi and Cindy O'Neill, two of our MSM Math Team will offer MSM 1 and then I will be onsite to offer MSM 2 the following week. Look for NOBIDA to offer registraions soon. The first introductory course will also be offered at other locations: Asheville NC, Chicago and possibily in Colorado again.
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