Multisensory Math Instruction

Almost all math curriculums are text-based, auditory style programs (remember reading is an auditory activity, not a visual activity because reading involves words processed as language, and not visual image processing). Some texts appeal to visual learners through the inclusion of many drawings, graphs, pie charts, and other visual images. Many computer-based programs are simply text-on-screen applications of common textbook teaching techniques. Like books, some computer programs have multimedia elements and may include graphics and / or audio.

Math-U-See (MUS) is a great multisensory, hands on math program. MUS teaches through demonstration videos or DVDs, manipulatives, and workbooks. MUS provides auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning components. It is one of the few comprehensive math curriculums that is fully multisensory. Other programs that use manipulatives (Base 10, Cuisenaire Rods, etc.) have workbooks and manipulatives, but lack auditory/visual demonstrations and do not cover all mathematics concepts from basic number skills up through complex mathematics. The programs have books on various math concepts, but not all topics are available.

Like reading curriculums, almost any math curriculum can be adapted to use multisensory methods. Adaptation will be a lot easier if you look for a visually rich curriculum with a lot of images and graphics. If you have the text and images, you can read aloud, and use manipulatives to demonstrate concepts. For kinesthetic activities, you can use rhythmic dance, clapping chants, gathering sticks or stones, or other objects for manipulatives, etc.

Certain math concepts, such as measurements or money, are easy to make into multisensory activities. You can teach measuring skills by using recipes and baking with your child, and you can play "store" with paper money to learn money skills. If your child is a kinesthetic or visual learner, you'll want to introduce concepts with hands-on, visual activities, then hit the books. If your child is an auditory learner, you can read the books, then explore concepts with manipulatives. Either way, it is always most effective to teach through multiple channels to aid understanding and retention.