Multisensory math is exactly what it appears to be, using as many sensory areas as possible when learning a new concept. The path to automaticity is strengthened when many neural connections are made. The student may hear the teacher's voice or his/ her own, as the visual component is engaged, as the hands are manipulating objects. When the hands are engaged, so is attention. Multiple sensory inputs create stronger associations for learning and memory.
Explicit instruction is concept based. The student models a concept, links it to the language, and constructs or builds meaning. Latin morphemes, the meaning bearing parts of words, can be used to enhance meaning: multi- means "many," fract- means to break into parts. Learners are not taught how to do a thing, but what it means. They do not push numbers around with no meaning or context. They construct meaning.
Conceptual horizons which require hands on learning include: numeracy, place value, basic operations, fractions and decimal fractions. Note: I say decimal fractions since early exposure to decimals is only through rational numbers. Later students can experience the difference between rational and irrational numbers as they explore the meaning of the base ten system and operations within it.
This particular approach has been expanded & enhanced by Marilyn Zecher, M.A., CALT over the last twenty years. Many say it is truly "Orton-Gillingham" based math instruction because of the emphasis on instructional language and strategies gleaned from years as an Orton-Gillingham classroom teacher.
She has built on previous work of Orton Gillingham specialists and blended the basic O-G approach to teaching with evidence based practices based on neuro-imaging studies, the recommendations of the NCTM and the What Works Clearinghouse. She developed the approach to cover foundation skills through algebra and she continues to work refining and developing the approach as she works with schools and districts to meet the needs of all learners. Her Multisensory Math Manual is the accompanying reference tool for the courses and her blogs, Facebook postings and Twitter feeds are followed by many. She continues to train professionals and parents in multisensory math strategies across the country and through distance education, around the world.
Professional Development Workshops & Full Multisensory Math Courses
Multisensory Math Workshops are available to schools, districts and organizations. One and Two Day Overview workshops offer teachers, tutors or parents the opportunity to learn about the evidence, use manipulatives and develop instructional practices which will help them include multisensory activities to enhance student learning. The workshops offer from 6 to 8 hours of daily instruction in multisensory methods from foundation skills to algebra and geometry. The workshops can be tailored to meet the needs of participants and can be adjusted to focus on a variety of math levels and concepts.
There are currently two Multisensory Math Courses offered through the Multisensory Training Institute at ASDEC in Rockville MD. Each course is comprised of thirty instructional hours plus assignments, readings and projects. Both courses are offered on site in Rockville or through distance learning and qualify for graduate credit through Trinity University in Washington DC. Occasionally these courses are offered off site through the sponsorship of a university, an independent school or a learning center. MSM I covers foundation skills through fractions with implications for higher math and algebra interspersed throughout the instruction. MSM II focuses more on the link between basic operations and fraction concept as linked to algebra and geometry. It includes explicit instruction on using multisensory methods to teach algebra and geometry concepts focusing on core elements essential for further study.
For more information, contact The Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Center (An IMSLEC accredited training center) in Rockville Maryland. www.asdec.org
Multisensory Math presentations are frequently offered at professional conferences including those of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the International Dyslexia Association and the Learning Disabilities Association. Check both national and regional conferences for listings.
Explicit instruction is concept based. The student models a concept, links it to the language, and constructs or builds meaning. Latin morphemes, the meaning bearing parts of words, can be used to enhance meaning: multi- means "many," fract- means to break into parts. Learners are not taught how to do a thing, but what it means. They do not push numbers around with no meaning or context. They construct meaning.
Conceptual horizons which require hands on learning include: numeracy, place value, basic operations, fractions and decimal fractions. Note: I say decimal fractions since early exposure to decimals is only through rational numbers. Later students can experience the difference between rational and irrational numbers as they explore the meaning of the base ten system and operations within it.
This particular approach has been expanded & enhanced by Marilyn Zecher, M.A., CALT over the last twenty years. Many say it is truly "Orton-Gillingham" based math instruction because of the emphasis on instructional language and strategies gleaned from years as an Orton-Gillingham classroom teacher.
She has built on previous work of Orton Gillingham specialists and blended the basic O-G approach to teaching with evidence based practices based on neuro-imaging studies, the recommendations of the NCTM and the What Works Clearinghouse. She developed the approach to cover foundation skills through algebra and she continues to work refining and developing the approach as she works with schools and districts to meet the needs of all learners. Her Multisensory Math Manual is the accompanying reference tool for the courses and her blogs, Facebook postings and Twitter feeds are followed by many. She continues to train professionals and parents in multisensory math strategies across the country and through distance education, around the world.
Professional Development Workshops & Full Multisensory Math Courses
Multisensory Math Workshops are available to schools, districts and organizations. One and Two Day Overview workshops offer teachers, tutors or parents the opportunity to learn about the evidence, use manipulatives and develop instructional practices which will help them include multisensory activities to enhance student learning. The workshops offer from 6 to 8 hours of daily instruction in multisensory methods from foundation skills to algebra and geometry. The workshops can be tailored to meet the needs of participants and can be adjusted to focus on a variety of math levels and concepts.
There are currently two Multisensory Math Courses offered through the Multisensory Training Institute at ASDEC in Rockville MD. Each course is comprised of thirty instructional hours plus assignments, readings and projects. Both courses are offered on site in Rockville or through distance learning and qualify for graduate credit through Trinity University in Washington DC. Occasionally these courses are offered off site through the sponsorship of a university, an independent school or a learning center. MSM I covers foundation skills through fractions with implications for higher math and algebra interspersed throughout the instruction. MSM II focuses more on the link between basic operations and fraction concept as linked to algebra and geometry. It includes explicit instruction on using multisensory methods to teach algebra and geometry concepts focusing on core elements essential for further study.
For more information, contact The Atlantic Seaboard Dyslexia Center (An IMSLEC accredited training center) in Rockville Maryland. www.asdec.org
Multisensory Math presentations are frequently offered at professional conferences including those of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the International Dyslexia Association and the Learning Disabilities Association. Check both national and regional conferences for listings.