Research supports using a multimodal approach for teaching academic skills. The term “multi sensory” is often used when referring to activities that include more than one sensory modality when learning or expressing new information. Some kids like worksheets and paper/pencil type tasks. Other students need an opportunity to move, listen, feel, or voice what they’re learning. Using multi sensory activities to practice skills, provides this opportunity. Taking advantage of warm summer days is the perfect chance to practice skills and have fun at the same time. Here are some quick ideas that can be easily modified for all ages and skill levels.

• Whether you’re at the beach or using a sandbox in your backyard or park, writing words, letters, or math facts in the sand allows for a tactile way to practice. Tip: when writing in the sand make sure the child says each letter or number individually and then puts it all together. For example, “C-A-T…Cat”
• Jump rope while practicing rhyming words, synonyms, antonyms or defining vocabulary.
• Use squirt guns to spell sight words on the pavement.
• Using water and a paintbrush, kids can “paint” words, letters and math facts outside.
• The athletes in the family may prefer to dribble, shoot hoops or kick goals while studying information or recalling facts.
• Build vocabulary by going on a scavenger hunt.
• Planting seeds and gardening can be used to practice a number of math skills.
• Using a hula hoop while practicing skip counting or spelling can be a great activity. The child can challenge themselves to see if the y can get through the list of words or skip count to 100 before letting the hula hoop fall.