Multisensory Teaching for Reading and Spelling
Using a multisensory approach can transform your reading and spelling lessons–for both you and your child. Read on to discover exactly what the multisensory approach is and how you can use it. And don’t miss the free printable activities at the end of this post!
Three Main Pathways to the Brain
Learning begins with your senses. We can think of our senses as pathways to the brain. When teaching reading and spelling, the three main senses we can involve are sight, hearing, and touch.
- Sight (the visual pathway)
- Hearing (the auditory pathway)
- Touch (the kinesthetic pathway)
It’s not as practical to involve the other two main senses (taste and smell), so for the purposes of teaching reading and spelling, we’ll just focus on these three.
But how do you that? Aren’t reading and spelling visual skills? You look at the word and read it, right?
It is true that with most curriculum, spelling and reading are taught primarily through the visual pathway, ignoring the other major pathways to the brain. But not only is it possible to activate the auditory and kinesthetic pathways to the brain, doing so is extremely beneficial for most learners. Here’s how that works.
Multisensory Learning Is Powerful!
Think of your eyes, ears, and hands as information receptors for your brain.
Your senses gather information and send it to your brain for processing. Then your brain decides whether to pay attention to the information. If it does, the information is stored in your short-term memory for further processing. The more information receptors you involve, the better the chance that the information will be retained by the brain.
Interestingly, when children are taught using all three pathways to the brain—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—they learn more than when they are taught through only one pathway.1 The more senses we involve, the more learning occurs. So even if your child tends to prefer visual learning, it is still important to teach through all three pathways.
By the way, when you use multisensory teaching, it isn’t necessary to figure out whether your child has a particular learning preference. That’s because the best way to teach is to involve multiple pathways to the brain rather than target just one pathway.
Engage All Three Pathways Simultaneously
Multisensory teaching is a big improvement over teaching through a single pathway to the brain, but the real power comes when you combine all three pathways at the same time. This is called Simultaneous Multisensory Instruction—the SMI method.
SMI is a special subset of multisensory teaching. Instead of involving one pathway at a time, SMI activates two or three pathways to the brain simultaneously.
SMI is powerful because, as neuroscientists say, “brain neurons that fire together, wire together.”2 When we teach using multiple senses simultaneously, the neurons in the respective parts of the brain fire at the same time and wire together to create neural networks. These neural networks allow the brain to store and retrieve information much more effectively and efficiently. Isn’t that exciting?
And when we say that All About Reading and All About Spelling are multisensory programs, it is specifically this highly effective approach that we are referring to.
How the Multisensory Approach Is Used in Our Programs
Here’s an example of how the SMI method is used in All About Spelling.
When a new phonogram is introduced (for example, phonogram DGE), the teacher dictates the sound “/j/, three-letter /j/.” Then the student writes the letter or letter combination as he repeats the sound.
This simple activity simultaneously engages the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic pathways to the brain:
- Visual: the child sees the phonogram written down
- Auditory: the child hears the phonogram sound and repeats it as she writes the letters that make up that phonogram
- Kinesthetic: the child retains the muscle memory of writing the letter (hand) and saying the sound (jaw, tongue, and voice box)
The visual, auditory, and kinesthetic pathways are all engaged, and the information becomes neurologically linked together. This will allow information to be retrieved more easily than if only one pathway had been engaged.
Here’s an example of how the SMI method is used in All About Reading.
When blending, the child touches one letter tile at a time, saying the sound as she touches the tile.
This simple activity simultaneously engages all three pathways: visual (seeing the phonogram), auditory (saying the sound), and kinesthetic (touching one tile for each sound). The activity also reinforces the skills of directionality, phonics, and blending, and leads to long-term retention.
Every single lesson in both programs contains multisensory activities.
Ready to Try Multisensory Activities with Your Kids?
Here’s a roundup of five blog posts that feature some of our favorite multisensory activities for reading and spelling. Enjoy!
Compound Words are most effectively practiced with visual and kinesthetic activities.
Contractions are a lot more interesting with an activity that engages multiple senses.
Solve Letter Reversals quickly and effectively by activating all three pathways to the brain simultaneously.
Word Flippers engage all three pathways while working on decoding skills and automaticity.
Word Trees reinforce Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes, activating visual and kinesthetic pathways.
Additional Help for Your Child’s Memory
To learn more techniques that help strengthen your child’s memory and achieve learning that really sticks, download my free e-book, Help Your Child’s Memory.
You will discover…
- Why information goes right over your child’s head … and what to do about it
- How the “Funnel Concept” can improve your teaching and result in long-term learning
- Schemas—what they are and how they help improve memory
- What “Simultaneous Multisensory Instruction” is and why it is such a powerful teaching method
- Six things you can do today to improve your child’s working memory
Do you use multisensory teaching with your children?
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1. Farkus, R.D. (2003). Effects of traditional versus learning-styles instructional methods on middle school students. The Journal of Educational Research, 97(1), 42-51.
2. Sousa, D.A. (2017). How the brain learns. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin, a Sage Publishing Company.
Jay
says:I’m interested in new approaches
Sally Anderson
says:Good afternoon, I have a 11 year old grandson going onto the 6th grade and still reads at a very low grade level. I watched your video on the for types of reader and he is a guesser. Do you have any suggestion where I should begin? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceSally,
I’m sorry to hear your grandson is having difficulties with reading. You would begin with our All About Reading placement tests. These will help you decide which level to begin with. Then, as you work through the level, stress the importance of reading with the blending procedure. Our blog post Break the “Word Guessing” Habit discusses it and includes a free printable.
If he places into All About Reading level 2 or higher, also consider beginning All About Spelling as well. The approach supports reading, especially in building up a student’s ability to break down difficult words syllables for easier reading.
I hope this helps, but please let me know if you have any questions or need more information.
Amanda
says:Loved watching your intro video! We’re excited to get this ordered. This approach is going to help so much!
rachel
says:Thanks, I’m looking forward to putting this into practice
Sally Cherney
says:This makes sense whether teaching a class of 30 or at home with a few students. Every child learns differently. I look forward to trying it out with my “last” 2 homeschooled children who happen to be boys which seems to add another dimension as far multisensory goes because they learn deeper and faster with short hands, eyes on lessons.
Tineke
says:I hope to have the opportunity to see this multi sensory approach in action.
Laura Bailey
says:All About Reading is helping my struggling readers!
Nancy Jones
says:Thank you for the information. I have a student who is “stuck” on having to always use the alphabet to figure how to write the letter and doesn’t know the names of the letters when shown cards of them. We are continuing to use the 3 modalities to help him.
Barb Howe
says:I love the multisensory method All About Spelling uses to teach learners. They retain information so much more easily by uses several of their senses. I love the methods so much that my lead teacher Rebecca Watkins and I created a Donors Choose project to get the entire curriculum to use with our adults who are learning to read and spell.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceSuch a great and worthy goal, Barb! I hope you meet your goal quickly.
Sherry
says:This is one reason that us program can easily be adapted to a classroom setting. And why it works so well for families that have kids with different learning styles. We really love AAS and AAR!
Phoebe Cunningham
says:This simultaneous multi sensory approach takes the stress off needing to know my child’s dominant learning style.
Nikki Ebbett
says:Thanks for the freebie!
Tracy
says:How do you op out of receiving emails every time a follow up comment is left?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceTracy,
There should be an “unsubscribe” option near the bottom of the email. You can stop receiving the emails for this post through that. For future comments, there is an option with a checkbox under the comment box that says, “Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.” If you uncheck that box, you won’t receive emails for follow-up comments.
Please let me know if you need further help with this.
Floriana
says:Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge to benefit a child’s learning experience: it has been invaluable to me.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou are so welcome, Floriana. Please let me know if you have any questions or need further information.
Wendy O’Hanlon
says:I am interested
Mrs M
says:The multi sensory approach is vital to the learning process of all ages. It is easy to forget how simple it can be to include tasks that are inviting to all senses.
Cassandra Bernard
says:This program is starting out to be really wonderful my five-year-old was struggling with memorizing site words and we were getting nowhere. I’m just a few weeks her interest has peaked and she is really taking off I can’t wait to see more progress in the future thank you
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceIt’s great to hear that All About Reading is helping your child take off, Cassandra!
Amanda King
says:I absolutely agree! MultiSensory learning really helps.
Tara
says:This is why your program works for us! Thank you for the extra downloads, too!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Tara. It’s great to hear that the program is working for you.
Kirsty Gallant
says:Send weekly e-newsletter
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceKristy,
I signed you up for our e-newsletter. If you haven’t received the welcome email, please let me know.
Ruth
says:Thank you!
Amie Lech
says:My youngest LOVE kinesthetic spelling. We used to do it a lot but lately have just been writing the words three times and in sentences. Time to bring back the writing in flour and dirt and body letters! Thank you for sharing!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou are welcome, Amie. Take a look at our 10 Salt Trays for Fun Writing Practice blog post too. It has instructions for making colored and scented writing trays for an extra fun experience!
Nan
says:What great ideas! I have a son who learns by seeing, but then I have another son who learns using his hands. It’s wonderful to see how to teach both and have both successful at the same time.
Jaclynn
says:Love this! Would love to get more resources for my twins before they head of to kindergarten.
Zara P.
says:I loved the ideas in this blog. I will definitely try some of the activities with my students.
Misty Miller
says:We’ve been using all about spelling since we started homeschooling but my boys were too old for the reading program! This year we will have a kinder and preschooler and I’m so excited to start the all about reading program with them! The spelling program really helped our dyslexic child improve his reading through spelling!!!! Love it!!!
Tammy
says:Love this!
Kayla
says:My son is definitely a multi sensory learner, I can’t wait to try this program!
Laura
says:I love the kinesthetic aspect of AAR! Something we need to put into our reading more.
Sara
says:Multi-sensory learning was a game changer for us.
Sarah
says:I love this way of learning. Incorporating all different ways. I especially love the bed idea for lower case b and d!!
Andrea
says:Fabulous, thank you!
Ruth
says:This works!
Foster
says:Best system out there!
Kristen
says:We love AAR because of the multi-sensory aspects!
Kayla Wiles
says:Thank you for creating a program that’s easy for parents and their children. We are only working through pre-reading but we needed the hands on approach for interest and retention.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou are so welcome, Kayla. Keeping their interest is so important!
Anna Henderson
says:I’m in NZ and have just discovered the All About Reading programs. Loving what I’m learning and can see the benefits of a multi sensory teaching approach to many kids particularly those with learning challenges.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceAnna,
Just so you know, we have a New Zealand distributor that carries our entire product line, Engaging Minds. They may be able to save you money on shipping and the exchange rate. Let me know if you have any questions.
ila
says:Love this!
Melanie
says:My daughter loves AAR and I love how she is forming a relationship with the English language via a multi-sensory approach. She just finished Level 1 and I am marveled at how fluent she is becoming as we have been reviewing concepts and re-reading the stories. Thank you for this fabulous mastery based curriculum. We are looking forward to receiving Level 2.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceMelanie,
I love that your daughter both loves All About Reading and is doing so well with.
Valerie
says:Interested in learning more about this program for my little ones.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceValerie,
Do you have any specific questions about All About Reading or All About Spelling? They are designed to take the struggle out of learning to read and spell!
Both AAR and AAS are multisensory, as explained in this blog post.
All About Reading includes research-based instruction in decoding skills, fluency, automaticity, comprehension, vocabulary and lots and lots of reading practice. All About Spelling focuses on encoding skills, spelling rules, and other strategies that help children become good spellers.
Each lesson time is simple and explicit, and will include 3 simple steps: review of what was learned the day before, a simple new teaching, and a short practice of that new teaching. The program is designed for you to move at your child’s pace, so you can go as quickly or as slowly as your child needs through each step.
The lessons are laid out in an orderly form for the teacher so that each day you can simply open and go. The programs are easy to do at home without special training or previous experience.
Lessons are logical and incremental. AAR and AAS break every teaching down into its most basic steps and then teaches the lessons in a logical order, carrying the students from one concept or skill to the next. Each step builds on the one the student has already mastered. Our sequence was very carefully tested to reduce confusion for the child.
AAR and AAS use specially color-coded letter tiles. Working with the letter tiles can make the difference between understanding or not understanding a concept.
All About Reading or All About Spelling are lightly scripted so you can concentrate on your child. The script is very clear, without excess verbiage. Marie also spent a lot of time researching how to word the rules. Our rules are worded so they are as easy for children to remember as possible.
Both programs have built-in review in every lesson. Some children need lots of review in order to retain concepts, while others don’t need as much. The programs are set up to make it easy for you to adjust this to your child’s need. With AAR and AAS, your child will have a Review Box so you can customize the review. This way, you can concentrate on just the things that your child needs help with, with no time wasted on reviewing things that your child already knows. Customized review is important for kids with short attention spans because you want every minute of your lesson to count.
The programs are independent of each other so students can move as quickly or as slowly as they need to with each skill. Kids generally move ahead more quickly in reading, and we don’t want to hold them back with the spelling. For more information, check out this article on Why We Teach Reading and Spelling Separately.
I hope this helps, but please let me know if you need more information or have specific questions.
JClaiborne
says:Great activities for my year old. Love these resources.
Dontie Kidwell
says:I love seeing how my kids learn best. Even though they come from the same two parents, we have 3 very different kiddoes and we just adopted a little guy from China. So it will be interesting to see how he learns best as well. I know repetition, and repetition in various ways, is the most effective memory tool. That is something I love with elementary teaching. I love approaching the same subject in many different ways. Thank you for these tools and ideas.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re so welcome, Dontie! Learning how our children learn and getting to know them on such a deep level is one of the joys of homeschooling. 😊
Congratulations on your new little one!
Christine
says:My children have had such success with this program. We love the stories from the readers.
Amanda
says:“Why information goes right over your child’s head … and what to do about it” this is exactly what I need!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceSo glad this is helpful, Amanda! However, if you need more help or have questions, just ask. That’s what I’m here for!
Kandy Woodard
says:I’m not very good about using kinetics. This is so helpful.
Melissa
says:Using multi sensory methods has been a game changer in our home.
Jessica D.
says:As a new homeschool mom to a child on the spectrum, finding multi-sensory based curriculums is on the top of my list. I have already tried a few different ones and I am very intrigued with your program as I am still searching for that right fit especially in the reading department. My son memorizes those repetitive pre-reader books after one time reading them and also learns that “one” set of flashcards quickly but has issues with generalization and is now marginally starting to understand the blending concept. Are games included in each lesson or section? Are all the words needed to read the reader section learned beforehand and then practiced or are concepts learned and then blended using the story in the reader?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceJessica,
All About Reading is set up so that approximately every other lesson has a game or playful activity and every other lesson has a story to be read. Each lesson includes hands-on learning with our letter tiles or letter tile app as well.
The stories are scheduled so that students will have full success with them. While every word may not have been taught and practiced (although most are), every word will only use skills and phonograms that have been mastered so the child will be able to sound it out without difficulty even if it is unfamiliar. Every “leap word” (rule breakers or a word that uses an advanced concept but is introduced earlier because it is helpful for stories, like the word “do”) is explicitly taught and practiced before it appears in a story. Our blog post on Decodable Books: Why They’re Important gives a lot of details about this and includes sample stories from every level.
You may find the All About Reading samples helpful for you to see what is in each lesson and the pre-teaching done for each story.
All About Learning Press offers a one-year “Go Ahead and Use It” money-back guarantee if you order directly through us. If it is not a good fit for your son, you can get a refund up to a year after purchase even if you have used large portions of it.
Let me know if you have further questions or would like more information.
KellyWade
says:My child has experienced a level of success that she has yet to achieve with any other program. She enjoys the many games and work. It’s been a real blessing to her.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThis is so wonderful, Kelly! It’s exciting to hear how well it’s been working for your child.
Jennifer N Padgett
says:As a homeschooling mom. I love this!!! Great job. Great.
Erika
says:Multisensory learning is a given in our house. All of us are either on the spectrum or ADHD, so we use a variety of methods to catch everyone’s learning styles somewhere along the way. Keeps things interesting!
Nikki Summers
says:This is so interesting! We have been talking lately about how our son is a kinesthetic learner. I wil definitely look more into using multisensory learning for him!
Mary
says:Thank you for all the tips! These will definitely help my teach my kids.
Victoria Scott
says:Such good information to have. I was using multisensory methods with my children and didn’t realize it!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceVictoria,
I think there is a natural tendency to use multisensory methods, especially with young children. They just learn better when all the senses are engaged and so we do that more and more.
J. Martina
says:I use multisensory techniques for teaching struggling readers all the time. They finally “get” it after using them.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYes! Using multisensory learning can make such a difference for those that are struggling. 😊
Rebecca Holland
says:Having taught for 19 years this is amazing!
Kristy Donivan
says:We LOVE All About Spelling. It’s easy to use and I don’t have to do a lot of prep. It’s open and go.
Keri Kiel
says:Great info. Thank you
Carolyn Vendramin
says:These tips are great. Love this program!
Amanda
says:Wonderful tips, thanks!
Kim Watson
says:Great tips!
Nicole
says:I’m only just learning how to incorporate multisensory learning for my children. Definitely starting to make my life as a homeschooling mom less stressful :)
Ashley
says:We love AAR & AAS. The word flippers are especially fun for my 6 year old boy!
Tracy
says:Love the helpful tips!
Virginia
says:We look forward to using this program in the upcoming school year.
Nima
says:I love this!
Rachael Hill
says:The multisensory approach has worked wonderfully with my daughter!
Tracy
says:Cant wait to start this program
Aimee
says:Love this approach
Julie
says:Awesome
Karen D.
says:Multi sensory helps with SO many aspects of learning. We’re alwaysbusing our hands and our voices to hear new songs and ways of learning.
Cindy
says:This program works!
Amy lanier
says:I plan to use this with my 8 yo who is struggling!
J Yost
says:Love this! We’ve used it for 5 years!
Kristi
says:We are working through this program with our 3 oldest kids! Love it!
Kathryn Camgemi
says:This has been a lifesaver for my son with special needs. Thank you so much!!!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou are welcome, Kathryn. 😊
Jerricca
says:My son has zipped through the reading level 2 in less than 6 months! He does so well with AAR and is zipping through AAS 1 now! Thank you!!
Lori
says:I can’t wait to start this program with my 7 year old!
Veronica
says:Love this program and all the resources!
Amanda
says:I love this approach and think it is necessary when teaching children. It has made a difference in my son using AAR the past two years.
Nicole Byrns
says:So excited to try this program this year.
Brandee Fendrick
says:I would love to win AAS level 2!!
Jessica
says:Thank you!
Megan
says:This was actually super helpful.. will be trying some new things with my daughter!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceMegan,
I’m glad to know this was helpful for you. As you try some new things, let me know if you have questions or need further ideas.
Andrea
says:Love this approach. It has allowed us to successfully use the program with both of our sons.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThat’s great to hear, Andrea!
Nadiuska
says:Excellent approach to teach.
Jenée
says:This looks amazing. Can’t wait to try this approach.
Lisa Thomas
says:This looks great!
Mahua Roychoudhury
says:Thanks Marie for the wonderful information on SMI. We use it often without being aware of it. I really appreciate the highly structured way of teaching and learning of All about learning presss .
Melanie Coppoc
says:I work very hard to provide my Title students with all the multi-sensory activities possible. My (now all grown up) hairdresser remembers when we wrote letters and sight words in shaving cream on the table! We always have manipulative letters to make words, make substitutions, create new words. My kinders use Play-Doh to make letters, we trace in salt trays, cornmeal, write on the sidewalk for texture. We have fun learning letters, sounds, words! Good to read about SMI. Thank you for the great information!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYou’re welcome, Melanie! There are many ways to make learning active. Shaving cream is a great one.
Cherie
says:Multi-sensory is the best.
Gwen
says:Our family is succeeding with the AAS and AAR programs! :) Here is a fun way to use the green word cards in a review game. Color code them with dots or stickers in the top right corner in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple and use them to play Candyland. The players have to read their card before advancing to the colored square shown.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceGwen,
Great idea! Your dots would also work to replace the questions in a Trivia Pursuit game too. Thank you for sharing this idea!
Suzy
says:These ALL look super! I cannot wait to try them with my kids!
Melissa
says:We have been doing very well with this approach! Love your program.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you, Melissa, for letting us know that our approach has been working very well for you!
Abbigail
says:I have found this to be the best way my son learns. He also calls it fun. Anything that takes this approach is a winner in my book!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceAbbigail,
Yes! Fun does have a great place in learning.
Kim
says:I love this method. I use it with my son in a variety of ways. Although he would prefer to do everything on his tablet, I’ve realized that it doesn’t sink in if we don’t do it “in the real world”.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceKim,
Your observation about learning not sinking in if you don’t do it “in the real world” is great! Research strongly suggests people are hardwired to learn in the real world with real things.
Kim
says:My son has severe autism. I’ve tried just about everything. I’ve discovered that I have to mix methods. There are no other options for him. It’s why learning reading is so hard for him. And math only had breakthroughs when we started using it in real life situations.
Hollie
says:So thrilled I actually had some time to really research AAR and AAS! I’ve been struggling to teach my ten year old to read at his level; the video offered some great advice. I’m really really interested now in subscribing to the curriculum!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceHollie,
We’re happy to know that this video was helpful to you. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Susan
says:As an in home tutor this approach is extremely helpful to help my students succeed and build confidence.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceSusan,
Thank you for sharing that multisensory teaching has been so helpful for your students!
Alisa
says:We are very happy with the All About Reading/Spelling program. My son resisted reading and spelling and was really struggling with our previous program. Now he gets so excited to do his reading class that I find him getting his own lessons ready before I even get into the school room. He feels motivated to read and the lessons are not overwhelming for him. He sees the progress he is making and that motivates him even more.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceAlisa,
Thank you for sharing how much of a difference All About Reading has made for your son. I am so happy to hear he is seeing his own progress and being motivated by it!
michelle fowler
says:All about reading has been a godsend for us. My 12 year old severely academically delayed son came out of public school a year ago unable to even sound out a simple cvc word and after a year of being homeshooled with aar, and is finally learning to read
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceMichelle,
This is wonderful! I’m so happy to hear that your son is making progress with reading All About Reading. Thank you for letting us know.
Kristin
says:My son is a highly auditory learner. His processing slows way down when the visual aspect is added. We still use the visual but repeating the spellings aloud has been most effective for him. He isn’t always able to discern the right spelling with the scratch paper strategy, but if he speaks the first letter or 2 aloud, very often the rest of the correct spelling will follow automatically!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceKristin,
Yes, certain types of teaching will be easier for some students than others. However, even as you enable him to use his auditory learning more readily, being sure to still expose him to the visual and tactile as well is the best way to reinforce his learning to the fullest extent. You seem to be a great teacher for doing just that!
Rachael
says:This approach has helped my daughter tremendously. We started All About Reading a few months ago. She could barely read. Now, she’s excited to read books and has the confidence to read alone.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceRachael,
Thank you for letting us knwo that All About Reading has helped your daughter learn to be excited about reading. We love confident readers!
Jennie Chatman
says:I love the various multi sensory that this curriculum uses. We use them all! I try to variety them up.
Danielle Ewan
says:My child who is dyslexic is doing really well with this program. The multisensory approach is key when teaching a dyslexic child.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceDanielle,
Thank you for letting us know that your child is doing really well!
nora
says:Great ideas
Stephani
says:This approach has been amazing for my five year old twins, thank you!
Rachel
says:Love this approach. My 4 year old wants to learn how to read, but I’ve struggled knowing how to best approach it. That’s why I ordered AAR and we are starting this week. I can already tell this will hold her interest more than the boring ideas I previously tried!
Carrie
says:I love all of these suggestions! And I LOVE LOVE the programs! Thanks SO much!
Molly
says:I’m using AAS level 1 with my son, and this approach is amazing me! I thought at first he might be too young for spelling (he’s 5, but he’s reading well so I decided to give it a try!), but he’s doing wonderfully and really enjoying it. I know I would have “given up” on spelling if we were trying to work through a traditional spelling list program, but the letter tiles make all the difference for my son.
Merry
says: Customer ServiceI’m glad your son is enjoying the program! Sometimes young students can surprise us, and often one who is reading well and showing an interest in writing will do well. Enjoy!
Jenny U
says:This is a great approach. It would have been helpful when teaching my child to read years ago.
Robin
says:We have loved the multisensory approach for learning reading. I knew that was what I was looking for in a curriculum because of my son’s learning style and personality (um, BOY), and I was truly excited when I found All About Reading. We have loved it!
Merry
says: Customer ServiceI’m so glad you and your son are enjoying All About Reading!
Homeschooling Base
says:I’ve been reading a LOT about sensory approach. The more stimulation we have, the better. However, there’s also been a lot in the news lately about learning styles. For instance, The Guardian article (https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/mar/13/teachers-neuromyth-learning-styles-scientists-neuroscience-education) got a lot of attention. What are your thoughts and has this impacted any of your thinking?
lisa
says:Just purchased all about reading for my two dyslexic kiddos…literally on pins and needles waiting for it to arrive.
Merry
says: Customer ServiceHi Lisa,
Let us know if you ever have questions along the way–we’re always glad to help. You might like to check out the articles on our Dyslexia Resources page if you haven’t already.
Lisa
says:Love using multi sensory approach!
Elizabeth
says:Love this!
Staci
says:Thank you! Very helpful.
Leighann Harris
says:As a homeschooling Mom I really appreciate how this program grows with BOTH my kids. It’s making teaching reading and spelling less daunting for me too!
Rachel
says:“… when children are taught using all three pathways to the brain—the visual, the auditory, and the kinesthetic—they learn even more than when they are taught only through their strongest pathway (Farkus, 2003). The more senses we involve, the more learning occurs.”
I love this and I love that AAR and AAS have already done the work for me by organizing the material into thoughtful, complete, multisensory lessons. I don’t have to figure out my children’s learning styles OR tailor instruction towards them in regards to their learning style.
Kylie
says:I was drawn to AAS and AAR because of the multi sensory approach and how useful it would be for trading my kids who are very different learning styles. So far we have loved it!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceKylie,
Thank you for letting us know that All About Reading’s and All About Spelling’s multisensory approach is working out for your family.
Natalie
says:We love All About Reading and All About Spelling! So thankful for this company.
Ronda
says:this looks great and could really help my 6 year old!
Lisa
says:Just from the phonogram sounds app my children have made leaps and bounds in reading and spelling! Can’t wait to actually use the program!
Devon Horsman
says:I love the tip for solving letter reversal!
Karla
says:We are really enjoying this program! The multisensory approach has worked wonderfully for my 5 yr old.
beth
says:I have loved using this reading program from the start with my son! The games are so much fun and we love the stories.
Jelena
says:I am so excited to try this program!
Katherine
says:We love All About Spelling. I even took my second grader back to Level I to make him a better speller. We moved through it quickly;y but I can clearly see a difference. Love the multi sensory usage!
Melodie
says:This makes so much sence!
Katie
says:This looks like the missing link for our schooling! I have raised three very good readers yet poor spellers. Excited to implement the program.
Cathy T
says:My dd loves the “3 steep” aproch it helps conect all the dots for her.
Net
says:This is an amazing program. We love it!
Carmen
says:Thank you for the helpful info!
Deborah
says:I really appreciate this article and All About Reading! We are currently on Level 1 and my 7-year old son is now randomly telling me how words are spelled – it may not be correct, but he is trying and on his own!
Emily
says:We love this program. By far the best out there!
Kelly
says:Love this program! I really can’t say enough good things about it! My son has come so far, even though we’ve had to take it slowly to get there.
Mandy
says:This simplifies everything, and takes so much pressure off of finding the perfect curriculum for each child.
Jennifer Tilleman
says:I love this article about multisensory learning. I use this techniques as a special education teacher and I’ve seen how beneficial it is for my students.
Christine Mayfield
says:I need to remember this more. I keep forgetting to use them all when teaching spelling.
Karen
says:I am so thankful to AAL for making it so easy to teach my seven very different children without having to figure out their learning styles. I wish all curriculums were this easy!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceAwww, thank you, Karen!
Lydia R.
says:Hi Robin– You linked me to a short Phonological Awareness resource last month or so. I still have the article saved, but I can’t find where it is on this website. Help? Thanks!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceHere you go, Lydia. How to Develop Phonological Awareness.
Kelli Swanner
says:Couldn’t agree more with this!!!
Kathy Brennan
says:I love the simplicity of teaching AAS! What a great help it has been to my struggling speller.
Angela
says:This was so helpful! Thank you.
Tiffany Fortney
says:Thanks for the link for activities. My son is really struggling with “b” and “d” difference!
Kuhu
says:My daughter used to get confused between b/d, but not anymore! Your advice did the trick!!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceKuhu,
Thank you for letting us know that our methods for working with letter reversals do work!
Elizabeth
says:My daughter learns so much better when we use the multisensory approach. Sometimes we’ll get in a hurry and skip something that’s hands-on and the difference on what she retains is night and day.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you for sharing this, Elizabeth. As adults, we often forget how important hands on learning is. This is a great reminder.
Anchetta
says:Great advice!
Kristin G
says:I love this article! I agree that when we teach to a child’s preferred method at the expense of the others we are doing them a disservice.
Diana Shea
says:I wish we’d know about this kind of learning years ago!
Casey Gray
says:Having three kids with three different primary learning strengthsome, it’s nice to have one program that hits them all. Definitely loving the spelling program!
Suzanne Paschen
says:The spelling program is amazing
Heather Lucas
says:So neat! I would love to teach with this type of approach.
Erika Gordon
says:Love how easy AAS makes using all the senses to learn, with minimal prep!
Lynn I.
says:Looks really neat. I would love to try this approach with my struggling second grader.
Charlie
says:I definitely use the multisensory method to teach my children both reading and spelling. They are very easily distracted, but the multisensory approach keeps them focused and engaged!
Shannon
says:Love this program!
Tracy Kemp
says:Excited to try All About Reading!
Julie
says:Great post. My daughter is doing well using this approach.
Megan
says:I love all the support available with the program!
teresa
says:Yes, multisensory makes sense. we need to strengthen each pathway, while supporting their favorite.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceYes, great point, Teresa. Another benefit of a multisensory approach is that students will also learn how to work with their weaker senses as well as their stronger.
Terri
says:My son often needs all 3 styles! And some of these were great tips, love the contractions hands on activity!
Bridget
says:Love the multisensory approach!
Jessica Thiele
says:Interesting!
Beth
says:This program is AMAZING!
Zorayda Faustino
says:I am new at homeschooling and I am convinced of thee power and effectiveness of the multi sensory approach to teaching. I believe that employing this approach will build an excellently foundation for my children and better encourage a love for learning. Thanks for this post!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceZorayda,
You may be new to homeschooling, but it sounds like you prepared for success!
Kaile R
says:Great ideas!
Dee Neal
says:Great info! Thanks!
Karen McFarlane
says:The multisensory approach is the main reason I chose AAS and AAR for my homeschool. As a former reading specialist, I wish I had had this program as a resource with my former students. Such a wonderful curriculum!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you, Karen!
Jamie Butts
says:Love AAS and my 7 year old son is wrapping up Level 1. It has been amazing, and one of our favorite parts of the homeschool day. I am learning rules I didn’t know before!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceJamie,
I’ve learned so much about English through AAR and AAS too!
Christy Hockaday
says:I love that AAR is multi sensory… it keeps my active 6 year old engaged and excited. I’ve not used AAS yet but am planning to start next school year.
Tammy Cordery
says:I love how this is done.
Andrea
says:Great Ideas!
Micah
says:great tips!
Kelly H.
says:This sounds amazing. Thank you so much for the chance to win!
Esther
says:Marie, can you please find somebody to do with math what you’ve done with reading & spelling – make it multi sensory and DOABLE for parents?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceEsther,
Math U See is multisensory and mastery based, and it is open-and-go for parents. It has been a game changer for my student that struggles with math, although we didn’t start using it until junior high level.
Marie had one student who struggled with math, and one who did well. Teaching Textbooks worked well for her struggling student, so that’s one you might look into. Abeka Consumer Math also worked well for her struggler. Her student who did well in math used Aleks.
Marie always liked Singapore because it fit her style, but not her kids’ as much. On the other hand, all five of my kids have used Singapore, although my one that struggled stopped using it before 5A.
You don’t mention the age of your student, but Miquon Math is very multisensory for Kindergarteners through 2nd to 3rd graders. It can be a bit confusing for the parent at first, but it quickly becomes open-and-go. All five of my children started math with Miquon and did very well with it. However, like most everything, Miquon may not be a good fit for every child. My co-worker Merry’s son said this about Miquon, “The writers of this math book don’t want children to understand math.”
There are SO many options out there, it can be overwhelming! When I evaluate programs I look at several things:
What worked about what we used previously? Did we like anything?
What didn’t work and why?
What do I need as a teacher from a math program? (Do I need scripting, examples, teaching helps etc…?)
What do my students need? (Think about visual layout, color vs. black & white, mom-taught vs. computer or DVD teacher, manipulatives, and so on.)
Look at samples online (or in person if possible), and let your kids look at them. Even young students can have opinions on curriculum that can give you insight that can be very helpful in your decision making.
I hope this helps some.
Lisa
says:Thanks for the giveaway!
Mummy
says:Would love a chance to try this curriculum! I’ve heard great things!
Jen
says:Such a timely blog post as I am making a presentation about multi-sensory activities to use with Orton-Gillingham (I love All About Spelling and have had incredible success using this program with struggling readers) This year, we have made some letter/sound videos (A-Z) to help with this: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Kinetic-Kid-Introduction-Access-3055883
Mikkelyn
says:Look forward to trying some of these activities. Thanks!
Cindy
says:We love AAR &AAS it really helped get my son reading!
Amy
says:Great info. I wonder how soon you can know a child’s preferred method and if it can change over time?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceAmy,
There are quizzes for trying to figure out a student’s preferred learning method. The best ones I’ve seen are in the Cynthia Ulrich Tobias’ book The Way They Learn. Most all children prefer kinesthetic learning when they are very young (that’s why babies and toddlers have to touch and mouth everything), so it is expected that many will change as they grow older.
However, when it comes to teaching your child at home, you don’t have to be certain of their preferred learning style. Research shows us that learning through all three modes of learning at the same time is much more effective than focusing on just the way the student learns best. Present information to them so that they can see it, hear it, and somehow get their hands on it. All About Reading and All About Spelling do this for you, scheduled right into every lesson.
I find that having the student know his or her weakness, however, is helpful as they get older. For example, my college son is aware that visual learning is his weakest way to learn so he takes action to seek out additional ways to interact with the material other than just the textbook and PowerPoint slides. He finds he learns much more easily if he talks through his learning aloud, preferably one-on-one with the teacher. So, he spends at least an hour or two a week with his professors during their office hours, and even seeks help from other professors he has made relationships with even though they aren’t teaching the class he needs help with.
I hope this helps. Please let us know if you have further questions.
Diane Smith
says:I have never really thought about multisensory teaching. This was very enlightening. Thank you.
KPhillips
says:I look forward to using the All About Spelling materials next year with my daughter. I think the multi sensory material will be a great help.
Stella K
says:This is very interesting information! I’m going to have to try this with my kids.
Crystal M.
says:I have an 8 yr old daughter who struggles with spelling. I would love to try AAS with her!
Laura K
says:We love All About Reading/Spelling specifically BECAUSE they are multi-sensory! They are fabulous programs and I recommend them to everyone who asks.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThank you for recommending us, Laura!
Maria
says:I would love to try this curriculum with my child who is dyslexic.
Nancy Minter
says:My child and I love All About Spelling and Reading! I would recommend this program to everyone and I do. We deal with dyslexia and it has been a God sent!
Nancy Minter
says:My child and I love All About Spelling and Reading! My child suffers from dyslexia. We tried many curriculums that all ended in tears. Two weeks into AAS and AAR my child told me she was glad that she did not have to be scared to wake up and cry about school anymore. We love it! I even tell all my friends that have children just starting school about it. It was life changing for us. My child can now read and spell. She still has a ways to go but we no longer dread it.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceNancy,
This brought a tear to my eye! I’m so sorry that your daughter had so many tears, but am very pleased to know that All About Reading and All About Spelling quickly changed that. I’ll be sharing your comment with the entire AALP team.
Jocelyn
says:Multisensory options have helped my children so much!
Dawn
says:Great post. Full of valuable information. Thank-You for all the extras. Would love to win so we can get started.
Julie K
says:This method has worked so well with my son!!!!
Anna
says:After years of having to type out spelling words, this would be a true blessing to receive. Thank you for hosting this contest. :-)
Heather
says:Thank you for the encouragement! While I’ve just learned that my child has dyslexia…I so encouraged reading this blog because after 16 years of homeschooling I’ve tackled all the different learning styles…now this kiddo has a need to incorporate it all. I hope to be able to purchase soon and get started…just not sure on which level yet.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceHeather,
We can help you with placement.
We have placement tests for All About Reading to help you decide which level would be best. Also, we recommend having your student read the sample stories from the previous level online as a further confirmation. You want your student to be reading fluently with good comprehension before going to a higher level.
Level 1 sample story
Level 2 sample story
Level 3 sample story
Level 4 sample story
Evaluate (without correcting your student) for the following…
Your student’s ability to decode the words in the story.
Your student’s ability to comprehend the story.
Could your student fluently read the story with expression?
Did your student understand the words from a vocabulary standpoint?
For All About Spelling, we recommend that most students start with level 1 to build a strong foundation in spelling.
All About Spelling is a building block program with each level building upon the previous one. The rules and concepts learned in Level 1 are applied in Level 2, and then those are applied in Level 3, and so on. Placement for spelling is based on the student’s knowledge of spelling rules and concepts rather than grade level, reading level, or the words a student has memorized.
For example, we find that many students simply memorize easy words like “cat” and “kid” but have no idea why one uses a C and the other uses a K, or that the same rules that apply to these words also apply to higher level words such as “concentrate.” Other students switch letters or leave out letters entirely. This usually occurs because they don’t know how to hear each sound in the word. Level 1 has specific techniques to solve these problems.
The article Which Spelling Level Should We Start With? has more information on the concepts taught in All About Spelling 1 and will help you decide if your student can skip level 1 and go into level 2.
Level 2 of AAS focuses on learning the syllable types, when they are used and how they affect spelling. This information is foundational for higher levels of spelling. Three syllable rules are introduced in Level 2, and then more in Level 3 and up. For this reason, we generally don’t recommend starting higher than level 2.
We encourage parents and teachers to “fast track” if the student knows how to spell most of the words but does not understand the underlying basic spelling concepts. In this case, very quickly skim the parts that your student already knows and slow down on the parts that he needs to learn. Pull out several words as examples. Make sure he understands the concept being taught, and then move on. This blog article has a good example of how you might fast track.
If you have questions or need further help, please let us know.
Tamala Howard
says:I love using AAS. Would love to win the next set. Thanks.
Jessica
says:We’ve used All About Spelling for three years and love it.
Jo Ann
says:I love this idea, but my 16 year old doesn’t want to use the letter tiles. I wonder if he needs all three senses at his age?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceJo Ann,
All learners learn best with all three senses, but the tiles can be rather time-consuming and seem “young”. His writing on paper is very tactile and there are two ways you can add in the visual component without him using the tiles.
The first is using paper and pencil. Write out the demonstration words for your student to see. You could also use a white board and write in red and blue to match the tiles if you think the color coding will help. Anytime you are supposed to use a blank tile, simply draw a short underline. The instruction will still be effective and will be presented in a way that is more palatable to your student.
The other option is to use the tiles to demonstrate concepts, but not require the student to use them. Some students who don’t like to use the manipulatives themselves still enjoy seeing the lesson presented with them. You could choose to use the tiles for presenting the material, and let your student have the choice of whether they want to actually use them. With my older students, I find going back to the tiles on the rare occasion that they are truly struggling is helpful.
I hope this helps you make adaptations for your student. Please let us know if you need more ideas or have questions.
Jo Ann
says:Thank you Robin! Those are great ideas!
Renee S.
says:I need to try some of these with my daughter who struggles with spelling.
Heather S
says:We have been using All About Reading Prereading this school year and recommend it to everyone I talk to.
Carmen
says:What a great reminder! I am going to start incorporating this as often as I can.
MS
says:We have moved beyond All About Reading now and would love this next step.
Monica
says:I have been using this for years with my now 3 and 4th grader. Excellent approach.
C
says:Just received my AAR package. We’re excited to get started.
Debbie B
says:This is true! It just works…we don’t have to worry about how our child(ren) learn, just put the time in and follow the steps! We are currently spending time reviewing all we’ve learned in the first 3 levels of AAS to reinforce what he’s already learned before we dive into Level 4. So thankful we found All About Learning! AAS has made my son a speller instead of a failure! Thank you for all the extra resources you always make available too!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceDebbie,
Reviewing before moving to the next level is always a good idea. It allows your to ensure your student has developed mastery before moving on, but it also gives the student a breather before tackling new subject matter.
It sounds like All About Spelling is working well for your son. Thanks for letting us know.
Debbie B
says:Robin, AAS really has helped! He is 8 and was really struggling with spelling. It was very frustrating as his Mom & “teacher”. It is wonderful to see him learning to spell & frustration free!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceThis so great, Debbie! We love learning frustration free!
Anita
says:All about spelling has been fantastic for my fourth grader. We couldn’t see the pattern with spelling and had a very time until All about spelling. My son loves the cards and the stickers and the building of words. So thankful for this program!!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceAnita,
Thank you for letting us know that All About Spelling has been so helpful for your son!
Ashley Miller
says:Eager to start all about reading with my son, we started pre-reading today to review and get used to the All About Reading way of doing our lessons. Ziggy the Zebra has been a hit! Hoping to win All About Spelling!
Judy Dickson
says:The 2 students I am tutoring are making great progress in All About Spelling!
Misty
says:Seems like a good curriculum. Would love to check it out.
Lori
says:My oldest doesn’t like handwriting, so I like the other options available here.
Jessica Robinson
says:This sounds like just the thing my son needs. He is beginning to pick up reading, but spelling has been the biggest challenge. We will be looking closer into this program to begin for a “year-round” type school. I am considering going from July-May this year and taking more time for becoming a FUN homeschool program!
Christy
says:I love this program! It has really helped my struggling learner. He is now reading at grade level. He also love working with the tiles! :):)
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceChristy,
This is great! Thank you for letting us know that your son is doing so well.
Jo Ellen
says:We are seeing great results!
Jenny
says:Super helpful reminder!! Sometimes I want to skip one method to get through the material quicker but that’s just be being impatient! Thanks for this reminder!
Amy Bryant
says:Informative. Thanks for the info. I will be rereading this article again.
cierra
says:I am completely new at homeschooling! My daughter will be 5 in a few months and reading/spelling was one of my bigger concerns. I would love to try this program out.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceWelcome to homeschooling, Cierra! It’s a great journey. Please let us know if you need help along the way.
Cris
says:Can’t wait to be able to try this out!
Tonya
says:This really helps.
Angela Bennett
says:Loved the point that we don’t need to figure out our child’s learning style because they benefit most from a multi sensory approach.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceIsn’t that a relief, Angela? If we aim to teach with a multisensory focus, we don’t have to worry about figuring our each child’s learning style!
Nicole B
says:Would love to win and try this out with my son!
Karin
says:Great tips, thanks!
Ciera Osipenko
says:Plan on buying this in May if I don’t win one in a giveaway. I have heard nothing but good things.
Lauren Towers
says:Great tips!
Dezari
says:Awesome post!
Nereida
says:Great insights!
Lindy
says:We JUST introduced compound words this morning! Looking forward to trying more multi-sensory activities to help out my kids!
Louise
says:Fantastic post! I’m dyslexic and I worry about my influence and I definitely leave out writing in our lessons. A place to improve! Thanks for calling attention to parents like me. :)
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceLouise,
If you ever need help, we are available. We have had great reports from parents that are dyslexic using our programs to teach their children.
Lisa Hall
says:I always enjoy the helpful information presented in these blogs. I’ve seen slow, but steady progress using all about spelling level 1 and look forward to level 2.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceLisa,
Hooray for steady progress!
G
says:Thank you so much for the letter reversal e-book–very helpful!
Elena Driggs
says:This is definitely the way to go. It seems like the information “sticks” better and easier. Thank you!
Sherri
says:Great tips! Love the link to the letter reversal printable! We are working on that right now with my kindergartener.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceSherri,
I’m pleased to hear that you found the link to the article on letter reversals helpful.
Katie Glowicki
says:This article was such a great reminder of teaching my children using more than one sense. This article was full of so much information. Thanks!
Alison @ Learning Mama
says:The multisensory component of AAS was great for my child in the beginning. Whether it is because she is older now, or isn’t much of a kinesthetic learner, I don’t find we need to use those strategies much anymore now that we are in Level 4.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceAlison,
Many children do find they have such a great foundation in reading that by the time they get to the higher levels they don’t need all of the strategies as much. This is a great sign of a solid foundation!
Suzu
says:With having 2 out of 3 children showing signs of dyslexia this sounds like just what I need to succeed in homeschooling my children!
Brandi
says:I have been struggling help my fourth grader with spelling and reading comprehension. This is our first year homeschooling and he just skims through material without absorbing. I appreciate this article and will look into this curriculum.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceBrandi,
Difficulties with reading comprehension can happen for a variety of reasons. It could be a result of…
– gaps in phonogram knowledge.
– fluency issues. Students can sound out what they read but can’t read it fluently. If they are focusing on the work of reading, they won’t be able to focus on understanding what they read.
– word guessing issues. Students rely on word-guessing strategies, and incorrect guesses lead to a lack of comprehension. Some also skip small words.
– reading too fast. Sometimes the opposite of fluency issues is the case. Students think that a “good reader” reads very quickly. Students who do this tend not to have time to think about the meaning of the text. See our blog post on reading too fast for more information.
– vocabulary issues. Students may have the phonics skills to sound out and read words that they don’t know the meaning of yet. This can happen especially with young, advanced readers. For example, think of a simple word like “milkman.” How many 21st century kids would have any idea what a milkman is?!
– lack of life experience. They can’t relate to what they are reading, again usually because of young age.
– they do understand but feel overwhelmed when asked to put what they know into words. If this is the case for your son, you might notice similar issues with listening comprehension.
The best way to quickly assess the cause of your student’s comprehension problems would be to listen to him reading aloud. After a few days of him reading aloud to you for 15 to 20 minutes a day, you will likely have a much clearer picture of the problem. From there you can begin working toward correcting it.
Please let us know if you have further questions, need help with placement, or need anything else.
Tanya Bedford
says:I have been using these without fully capitalizing on the kinesthetic for my daughter. Thanks for the post!
Suzanna
says:I really love all about spelling for all my kids learn so different but yet it works for all of them, unlike math they are in different curriculums. Love being to have one that works for all my kids!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceSuzanna,
I understand completely. My younger three students are all having success with All About Spelling, but they are using three different math programs.
Lisa
says:We love AAR and AAS! Wouldn’t even consider another program after using these!
Cathy
says:Great article! Love the Latin word trees! Thanks!
Sarah
says:I love that I can use this program with all of my children, even though they learn in different ways!
Stephanie
says:Love this!
Carmen
says:We love All About Spelling!
Lori Smith
says:I would love to see if this would help my son improve his spelling!
L Wattie
says:I have had great success taking a multisensory approach with my active boy! I love how All About Reading has it all laid out and keeps my prep work to a minimum.
Leah Marks
says:We love All About Spelling!
Dezlynn
says:I would love to be able to try this with my son
Samantha
says:My youngest son is definitely a multi sensory learner. He is going to love doing all about spelling.
Amberley
says:We love All About Spelling!!! It is super way to learn spelling and my kids love using the tiles for practice! :)
Heather
says:I’m interested in learning more
Sarah Serrano
says:Multisensory is best for my kids in retention and application later on.
Jamie
says:I’m very interested in learning more about this.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceJamie,
Do you have any specific questions? We would love to help you learn more.
Michelle
says:Used the compound word printable with my 2 children today and they absolutely loved it. We have really enjoyed the All About Spelling Level 1 and are about to move on to Level 2. Out of the 3 spelling curriculums I have tried with my children, All About Spelling has worked for us all.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceMichelle,
Thank you for letting us know your children loved the compound word printable activity. I’m pleased to hear that All About Spelling is working well for your family as well.
Bwest
says:Love that it teaches in multi sensory aspects
Tanya Wilde
says:I love that this is multi-sensory program. Would love to win it for my son who is struggling in reading and writing.
Veronica Ward
says:This SMI method sounds very interesting, I would like to learn more.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceVeronica,
Here is another article, specifically about the SMI Method.
Kristin Lehman
says:I love the multisensory approach. It works so well!
Jessel
says:I have seen the program works for other students and would love for my children to get an opportunity to learn using your program. I would love to WIN level 2, PLEASE!!
Julie
says:I’m so glad you designed your curriculum this way. It has been such a help to kids! Thank you.
Erin
says:This makes so much sense! Thank you for the explanation & so many ideas for different ways to teach children.
Rebecca
says:This program was a game changer in my daughter’s ability to read. Thank you All About Learning!!!
Pauline
says:Helpful article! I try to use multiple approaches but need to be reminded sometimes Thank you for the resources so we can put your tips to use. I especially like the bed graphic for remembering b and d.
Shawna Larsen
says:My 13 year old son has struggled for years in public school. They don’t use the multi-sensory method of teaching and it shows. He has made vast improvements since we went back to the basics all the way back at level 1. This is a great blog that helps understand why it works.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceShawna,
I am sorry to hear your son has been struggling for so long, but I am pleased to know that he is now making great improvement!
Olivia
says:This post makes the benefits of multisensory learning so clear! I’m thankful that each lesson of AAR and AAS includes intructions for multisensory learning activities. Although my curriculum in other subjects may not include this to the same degree, I’m going to look for ways to make our math, science, history, and other studies more multisensory. It’ll be a little extra work, but it’ll be worth it!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceOlivia,
It is more work, but it can make a huge difference, especially if your student is having trouble with a subject.
One idea, when it comes to things like science and history you may be able to bring your student into the process of making it more multisensory. Often my kids will happy ask for coloring pages about what we are studying, such as a Chinese girl in traditional dress, or will take on projects. Once they built a fairly accurate Viking ship from Lego, complete with a dragon figurehead and oars!
Anne
says:This is definitely a great way to learn and retain things.
Jb
says:I’m looking forward to trying this method
Susie Taylor
says:Having tried many different things, we’re finding that this works well for our son!
Melinda M
says:We needed this post this morning! My dyslexic 10 year old daughter is struggling with the “TION” words that use the “ti” phonogram. I think I will try making a set of the word flippers for her words in AAS Level 4 Step 22. She was getting frustrated with her new list and I feel like we need to change our approach for a couple of days. Thank you!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceMelinda,
Yes, the tion words can be tricky. Your idea to make word flippers for tion words is a great idea. Reading these words can help build the visual memory for them. You do want to make sure she has these down well before moving onto AAS 4, as there she will learn more tion words and sion words as well.
If she continues to have difficulties, please let us know. We can help you come up with more ideas to help her have success with this concept.
Ammie Pierce
says:I wish they would have been more supportive of this type of learning in the school I used to teach in. Now that I am keeping my children at home to educate them, it is wonderful to find high quality programs like this one.
Katie Watson
says:I am so excited to try this with my dyslexic daughter! I think it will really help us move forward.
Ashley Haeberle
says:This sounds exactly like what my children need! I’m excited to try it this year! One question, how far up in age does it go and how would I determine which level my children need?
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceAshley,
Great questions!
All About Reading and All About Spelling are designed to be used at each student’s unique pace. We have had students as young as 2 use our programs and we have had adults use them. Both are extremes, with the majority of our students falling between the preschool and teen years.
We do have placement tests for All About Reading to help you decide which level would be best. Also, we recommend having your student read the sample stories from the previous level online as a further confirmation. You want your student to be reading fluently with good comprehension before going to a higher level.
Level 1 sample story
Level 2 sample story
Level 3 sample story
Level 4 sample story
Evaluate (without correcting your student) for the following…
Your student’s ability to decode the words in the story.
Your student’s ability to comprehend the story.
Could your student fluently read the story with expression?
Did your student understand the words from a vocabulary standpoint?
For All About Spelling, we recommend that most students start with level 1 to build a strong foundation in spelling.
All About Spelling is a building block program with each level building upon the previous one. The rules and concepts learned in Level 1 are applied in Level 2, and then those are applied in Level 3, and so on. Placement for spelling is based on the student’s knowledge of spelling rules and concepts rather than grade level, reading level, or the words a student has memorized.
For example, we find that many students simply memorize easy words like “cat” and “kid” but have no idea why one uses a C and the other uses a K, or that the same rules that apply to these words also apply to higher level words such as “concentrate.” Other students switch letters or leave out letters entirely. This usually occurs because they don’t know how to hear each sound in the word. Level 1 has specific techniques to solve these problems.
The article Which Spelling Level Should We Start With? has more information on the concepts taught in All About Spelling 1 and will help you decide if your student can skip level 1 and go into level 2.
Level 2 of AAS focuses on learning the syllable types, when they are used and how they affect spelling. This information is foundational for higher levels of spelling. Three syllable rules are introduced in Level 2, and then more in Level 3 and up. For this reason, we generally don’t recommend starting higher than level 2.
We encourage parents and teachers to “fast track” if the student knows how to spell most of the words but does not understand the underlying basic spelling concepts. In this case, very quickly skim the parts that he already knows and slow down on the parts that he needs to learn. Pull out several words as examples. Make sure he understands the concept being taught, and then move on. This blog article has a good example of how you might fast track.
I hope this helps at least some. Please let us know if you have further questions, need help with placement, or anything else.
Michelle VanDuine
says:Love this approach!
Jennifer
says:Very neat approach
Susan Cujas
says:Great information on how multi-sensory approach actually works. I love using both of your programs with my son who has severe learning disabilities. They are easy to use and so effective. My 2 older children also had learning disabilities and I had to spend a lot of time figuring out lesson plans to use a Orten-Guillingham method. Thanks so much for your program and your wonderful blogs.
Felicity
says:Thanks for the great reminder to use all the senses in any learning situation!
MaryAnne
says:I love using all about spelling with my dyslexic children!
Laura Lamb
says:I love AAS!!!!
Lisa
says:My kids love to teach Ziggy new things
Cindy Blanding
says:We are just beginning to explore ways to help our daughter who was recently identified as dyslexic. The school hasn’t had a formal spelling program and her reading is superior to her spelling ability. Thank you for your blog posts, they are interesting and informative. As a mom, not a teacher…this is such a challenging world to navigate.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceCindy,
It is difficult to sometimes wade through contradictory information on how to best help our children. My best advice is to look for programs and approaches that discuss what research says about helping children to learn successfully. You may find our report on the Orton-Gillingham approach a good place to start.
If you have questions as you navigate through this, we are happy to help.
Katherine M Carnahan
says:I try to incorporate multiple senses with our learning. That’s why I have loved All About Spelling. I only wish I had known about it from the beginning of our home education endeavor.
Jane Gilhooly
says:I’ve been using your spelling and reading programs with 4 of my 5 kids so far and they love the multi-sensory aspect. They love to use the tiles, write, use the creative worksheets and the ziggy games, and they love ziggy. I appreciate the variety. I can’t do everything, but I’ve learned to adapt and do what I am able. The programs are so robust that my kids have flourished. Kids will tell you their own learning style when you do AAS and AAR because they will get excited about the parts they like best. For example, my son really surprised me but he loved reading words and “feeding” a paper monster! He must have read twice as many words that day than he would’ve otherwise. Thanks!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceJane,
Many children love to feed our monster or our puppy! Doing review in fun ways like this helps children to be excited about reviewing, and as you found with your son, will happily review for a much longer time.
In case anyone is interested, here is a link to our Feed the Puppy game, and you can find our Feed the Monster by scrolling down on this page. We have additional review games and activities for Reading Word Cards and Spelling Word Cards as well.
Angie
says:Thank you for the good ideas.
Harrison Njaru Mbogo
says:Wonderful, you are great.Highly impressed.Please team up with me for my PhD in young children in improving literacy to enhance numeracy learning using multi sensory approach.You are an icon
Jeanne Davis
says:Thank you for a great article! We have been using a multi-sensory approach for a number of years now. It really has helped my children not only learn, but retain the information as well. This is why All About Reading has helped my son go from a Kindergarten Reading Level to a 2nd grade level in only 1 year! He loves his reading & spelling lessons now!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceJeanne,
Thank you for sharing your son’s amazing leap in reading level with us! Way to go!
Pam
says:I am learning alongside my girls, everything I never learned in grade school. Amazing program.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceI learn with my children too, Pam! I am so much better educated now that I am educating my children.
Melanie
says:Thanks for these activities. I can’t wait to try them with my son!
Kelly Whittington
says:I’ve been using All About Spelling for the last five years. Multisensory learning has been essential with my children. My son is more of a visual learner while my daughter is more of an auditory learner. One lesson for our whole family and everyone succeeds!
Jill Morris
says:We’re on AAS Level 2 and constantly say how much I love this program! Super effective and my kids love it! Thank you!
Rachel
says:Great article! I try to incorporate multisensory learning into everything we learn. The retention of the concepts is so much greater and eliminates the need to do a lot of review.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceGreat point about how multisensory learning aids retention! Thank you, Rachel.
Jana Pappas
says:I have seen this program work! I am so excited to continue with Level 4! Thank you.
Casie
says:We just recently started the all about spelling curriculum and I have found all that is in this article to be true so far! It’s hands on and my daughter loves that. So glad to have found this.
Amanda
says:Thank you for this article. This quote was so reassuring: “…we are talking about involving multiple pathways to the brain, no matter what your child’s preferred learning style.” I’m loving AAR and look forward to AAS.
Heather Hobby
says:Definitely think my two kiddos would benefit from this approach!
Tucker
says:Some great tips and ideas!
Deb Powers
says:Can’t wait to begin this program.
Nikki
says:This program has changed my son’s life! Thank you so much!
Sarah K.
says:Great post! Lots of interesting points.
Christine
says:I’m just learning to use all 3 senses in my teaching. My busy 6 yo boy is definitely in need of all 3! Thanks for the printable, I’m sure they will help.
Amy
says:Thanks for all you do! We are cruising along in your curriculum and learning so much!
Julie
says:I am excited by the hope that my children will gain the confidence to learn to spell.
Jamie
says:Both my elementary boys use the AaS program and they are learning to spell so much better than I did. So glad we chose it.
Deanna
says:This has been interesting to read. Thanks!
Hannah
says:AAS is a life saver! My daughter has really excelled in spelling since starting this wonderful program!
Debbie C.
says:I’m new to AAR but we are loving it! Looking forward to adding AAS to my son’s day.
Angie Stephens
says:Our family of 6 kids love AAR and AAR. I love that it’s easy to use and requires no prep.
MORGAN M Ramirez
says:I love AAR, we use it to supplement. My 2nd grade son is dyslexic and while he goes to a charter school we needed something more. I also am a teacher and think this program is great.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceMorgan,
We have quite a lot of parents using All About Reading or All About Spelling to supplement classroom learning. They are really successful for helping students that are struggling.
Mistie
says:I love that AAS has us covered no matter what my kids learning style or my teaching style is. We have been using it for 2 years now. I taught 1st and 2nd grade for 9+ years in public school and would love to go back and teach my students with this method. It truly has all the “missing” pieces from the puzzle. I especially like the dictation, as it seems to be just challenging enough to help my son feel so successful.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceMistie,
Great point about the dictation! It is challenging, yet the program sets the student up to have success with it.
Julie Patterson
says:Thank you for this interesting post.
Christine
says:We love AAS & AAR. My kids are excelling with what feels like little effort with these programs. They are just getting it. Thank you!
Kate
says:I appreciate that the multi-sensory approach allows me to re-use the curriculum with all of my kids as it can be customized to their individual strengths and weaknesses.
Amy
says:Love this curriculum!!
Elizabeth Zachary
says:My daughter has been the second of our eight kids to really struggle with spelling. Her older brother was the first, and I wish I would have had All About Spelling for him! He did finally learn how to spell, but it wasn’t easy. I am thankful that God directed us to this curriculum for our daughter. She actually enjoys her spelling lessons, and she has improved so quickly we can hardly believe it. I am impressed by the thoughtfulness of this program and the flexibility it gives that it can be used with any kind of learner – even those learners that are “outside the box.”
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceElizabeth,
It’s great to hear that All About Spelling has helped your daughter improve so quickly and that she enjoys her lessons.
annette anderson
says:I would love to know more about multisensory teaching. IT sounds like what I need for these kids.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceAnnette,
Is there something specific you would like to know?
Teresa
says:All About Spelling has been a blessing. It has turned my struggling speller into a blossoming speller. We are truly thankful!
Margaret
says:I just ordered AAS and cannot wait for it to come in for my kids.
Julie
says:AAS has really helped my son. He is a poor speller and wants to do things his own way but when I have him slow down and use the tiles he almost always sees his mistakes right away. I am really loving this program.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceJulie,
The tiles are wonderful tools for helping students “see” and “touch” spelling!
Christine
says:Thanks
Amy
says:These are great tips help when teaching AAR and AAS lessons. We especially needed help with the letter b and d reversals.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceAmy,
Reversals are a common problem, but occasionally they are especially tricky for a student. Let us know if you need additional help to help your student master these letters.
Jen
says:I have definitely seen improvement using multisensory approach and not just with spelling. Even though I learned primarily through only one sense in my school education, it definitely clicks better for my boys with an approach like that in AAS.
Carly Staub
says:These are wonderful ideas. Thanks for sharing! My daughters love AAR & AAS!
Laura Mueller
says:Love all about reading and all about spelling!!
Kristen
says:This is interesting! Thinking about all about reading too!
Karen
says:Bed really helped my son keep b and d separate.
Jaime
says:My daughter has found a new love of Spelling with your program. We’ve wasted 2 years trying to find the right program and this is it!!
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceJaime,
Isn’t it wonderful when students love learning? I’m pleased to hear that All About Spelling is working so well for your daughter.
Kendra
says:I love finding a spelling program that isn’t just a workbook but gets them involved!
Audrey
says:Very interesting. Would love to see how my kids respond to this approach!
Katy
says:AAR and AAS have made learning and teaching reading and spelling much more fruitful for our family’s homeschool. It’s a gift to watch my kids go through all of the multi-sensory learning and see the “lights go on” in their minds in their own unique ways on any given day. I myself enjoy teaching this method.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceKaty,
You made a great point about the teacher enjoying teaching. It is much easier to teach when you can enjoy the process! Thank you.
Joanna Robson
says:I’m looking forward to using All About Spelling & All About Reading next year. I’m starting to incorporate many of the multisensory techniques and it makes such a huge difference in my children’s learning. Thanks
Tamara
says:We have just purchased All About Spelling. Writing is difficult for my son. I think the magnet tiles will work well for him.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceTamara,
Writing is difficult for a lot of children. Our blog post on dysgraphia has ideas on how to progress with learning with students that struggle with writing. Note, I am not saying that every child that struggles with writing has dysgraphia, but rather the tips and tricks that help children with dysgraphia are also useful for other children that find writing difficult as well.
Amy
says:I love All About Reading AND All About Spelling. It has completely changed the way my son is able to learn. He is spelling all of the time now. Yesterday he brought me a book for the first time ever and read it to me. He is almost 8 years old and has some issues with dyslexia. Thank you for giving us the tools we needed to succeed.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceAmy,
What an exciting day for you! Congratulations on your son becoming a reader! Thank you for sharing this good news with us too.
Megan DePerro
says:I made something like this when I nannied kids a long time ago. :) It’s wonderful.
Megan DePerro
says:This looks fantastic for any child but especially those with dyslexia. I say that having dyslexia.
Robin E.
says: Customer ServiceMegan,
Thank you. It’s great to hear an adult with dyslexia can see that our multisensory approach would be helpful for children with dyslexia.
Amy Mac
says:I love the letter magnets tiles. They are easy!
Trina
says:We are finding that using all our senses helps to retain information. We have used multisensory learning and would love to see how your program works with spelling!
Becky
says:We use some multisensory means to teach spelling and would love to implement more!
Grace G
says:We have yet to begin homeschooling as my daughter starts preschool at home this August. She is very smart and she loves to spell words on the fridge with magnets. : )
I. Ray
says:I have not used this program yet, but I would love to try it.
Emily
says:I’m so excited to start AAS with my first grader. She loves the hands on aspects of AAR!
Brandy Cox
says:I’ve never tried this method before! I wonder if it would help my son? He’s 13, ADHD and LD.
Lesley Churchill
says:We love using many different materials to practice the same skills. We use our chalkboard, white boards, foam letters, play doh letters, etc. We are always looking for new ways to play during “school.” And… we LOVE AAL!
Heather r
says:I use little letters called Alphabots. My boys like to spell small 3 letter words with them. Although I would love to have a real kit that worked for all over learning.
Heather
says:We are currently NOT teaching spelling multisensory. In fact, we don’t formally teach spelling right now…
VANESSA
says:We use Spelling Power and we try to add in the multisensory activities as often as we can.
Laurie
says:We use some multi sensory activities – the letter tiles are a big hit with my kids- but I think my boys would benefit from more
Katy S.
says:I am not currently using multi sensory instructions for spelling, but I can see how it would be very beneficial for my daughters.
Suanna
says:We occasionally use multisensory activities, but I have one child who would benefit from more.
Krista
says:I do not use All About Spelling, but I really want to use it for the new school year. I would love to win this giveaway. I am praying for favor. :)
Nicki LaBarr
says:I have been really wanting to try this program.
Kate
says:The only multi sensory approach I’ve tried is having my kids write in sand in a tray. They loved doing that but still struggle with spelling so I really want to do more like in this program and can hardly wait to get started!
Carrie
says:No I have not used this program yet, but I would love to try.
nina
says:I am starting homeschool this summer and my youngest son would greatly benefit from sensory learning
Laurie
says:We are completing the last step in Level 3 this week! My daughter actually asked me to please keep using AAS because she loves the way the lessons are presented. We have used levels 1-3. She has enjoyed the many different activities along the way..the tiles, segmenting sounds in level one by jumping on different color construction paper, and practicing her words in shaving cream. Level 3’s writing station has become her favorite now! I cannot wait to use this program with my son in a few years!
Marie Rippel
says:I’m so happy to hear how much your daughter loves the activities in AAS, Laurie! Sounds like you are doing a great job implementing the program! :)
Stephanie Bondlow
says:I am using multisensory methods, but am just beginning. I just started homeschooling my daughter, who cannot read hardly at all, so I am going to try everything I can.
Aimee
says:We use the AAS magnets, and plain old plastic refrigerator magnets to spell words. We have a magnetic photo frame where we can put the “word of the day” that goes along with what we are learning in spelling. I also encourage my kids to trace words in sand or rice, just as they learned to write the letters. We use banagrams and some Discovery Toys spelling games to reinforce!
Mary
says:Wish I had known about this program when my kids were younger!!
Sabrina
says:This program has made my son love to learn spelling and reading!
Amy Mac
says:I have a son who needs the multisensory approach. We would use rice in a pie pan or cookie sheet. We also would use shaving cream for fun too.
Cynthia
says:I use All About Spelling with my 10 year old. I tried a number of different ways to teaching her spelling but they didn’t work for us. I have dyslexia and spelling has not been my strong-suit either. When I found ABS my daughter was very up-set about having to go back to level one; she had memorized how to spell all the words in that level a ready. As I made her work through it, she discovered she didn’t understand the why it was spelled that way. Knowing that she had to learn the rules and that it helps her spell words she has not memorized improved her attitude about it. We do however, skimp on the use of the tiles because they annoy her to work with them (she hates putting them back in place and likes how fast she can just write the words out on a dry erase board). Because of this I let her write most of the lessons and use different color dry erase makers to show the different “tiles” – that keeps the peace and her interest. I would love to find other multisensory methods that she would enjoy.
Lori
says:I have not been using a multisensory approach to spelling with my kids. This is an area of struggle for them and as I have been researching curriculum for next year I have been very intrigued by what I have seen with the approach used in All About Spelling!
Jodi Lesac
says:I hope to start using this curriculum soon. Haven’t been able to fit it in but sounds and looks great.
Jamie
says:Thanks for the great tips. I would like to try this with my 6 yo boy who just started to read
Cindy
says:I have a 9 yr old girl that struggles with spelling and has dyslexia and this would be a great tool to help her. Would love to win!
Cindy
says:We are not currently using multisensory.
Sarah
says:We use multi sensoryin other subjects but never really thought of it for spelling. Love the ideas.
GH
says:We use multisensory learning for spelling words, but in addition to letter tiles I vary it by including play-doh, letter stamps, pipe cleaners, etc. Your multisensory kit giveaway would add some fun alternatives as well!
Courtney
says:My children currently just write their spelling words and spell them out loud.
debra dubois
says:Yes, we try to incorporate multisensory learning my granddaughter is starting to learn much easier and she enjoys the multisensory learning..
Emily L
says:My kids are currently in a brick and mortar school and not using this approach. Next school year we will be homeschooling and I can’t wait to use this type of approach which would help them greatly!
Cara
says:I will be starting to incorporate structured schooling with my special needs child soon. He has sensory issues that we need to work on so what a better way to do it with this kit!
Terra Jones
says:We use AAR and AAS, as well as math that is all multi-sensory. It’s so great for our boys!
Amber Tucker
says:This looks like an amazing addition to the AAS program! So excited!
Rebecca Kim
says:We use AAS, AAR and Math on the Level which are all multisensory because I have found that my kids learn and retain information much better when presented this way. I am a visual teacher and I have children that cover every combination of learning style and it is extremely helpful to my time management, pocketbook and sanity to have one curriculum that I can use with everyone.
S.L.
says:Yes, we try to incorporate multisensory learning, especially since our twins have different learning styles.
Melissa Bell
says:We are just getting ready to introduce spelling, so we are not using this approach yet.
Marianne
says:This is amazing! What a fun way to expand their learning!!!
Stephanie Boyd
says:We didn’t use multisensory until this year when we started AAS. My daughter loves spelling now & she’s actually learning how to spell, not just memorizing for a week.
Alicia Randon
says:We have just recently started using multisensory instruction in our home, and it is a big help with my little.
sue
says:With maths we are
sue
says:No I’m not using anything like it but would love to try
Audrey
says:I currently use All about Spelling and All About Reading with my 10 year old daughter. She learns now with ease, what before was confusing to her. She was speech delayed from young age and language stayed a rather difficult subject. I myself am a highly functional autistic and find the teaching method clear and helpful for myself to understand and to teach my children who both are home schooled. My youngest is still a toddler but later on I will also use the All about material with him since it is so good. Autistic or other difficulties or not all will benefit from this method. Thank so much. Audrey
Marie Rippel
says: Customer ServiceAudrey, I am so happy to hear that AAS is helping your daughter, and I’m just as happy to hear that our curriculum has been helpful for you as well! Thanks for the kind words!
Erin
says:Yes. I use a multisensory approach to learning sight words and new words with my first grader.
Laura K
says:We’ve been using AAR since pre-level 1 and are now on Level 2. We also are halfway through AAS Level 1. We used multisensory activities (other than the cards) for pre-1 for my first 2, and my youngest is starting pre-1 this year (and is VERY excited that he gets to “do school” like his older brothers. We will again be using multisensory activities to help with the letter names and sounds for him.
I love the sand tray idea – but it scares me with 3 wild & crazy boys. :)
The wax sticks would be AWESOME to use. We have also used a geoboard.
Jessica A.
says:I try to use mutisensory teaching with my child. Thanks for the post it has given me some ideas that I haven’t tried yet :)
Cheryl B.
says:We use multisensory learning for teaching reading.
Lee Ann Strader
says:Our homeschool is using the All about Spelling/Reading curriculum, but would live to add a different concept of learning to our lessons!!
Wendy
says:I am now the legal guardian of my adorable 5 yr old grandmother. I am doing parenting again and do I need your program! Thank you for this refreshing website. You are sharing so much relevant and essential components of spelling which we need! Thank you for your generosity.
Wanda
says:I recently discovered you, and I am excited to explore your pages. I have a 4 yr old who started her “official first days of home kindergarten” this week. Her 2 yr old brother is shadowing her. I think this could be very helpful for them both.
Marie Rippel
says: Customer ServiceWanda, I hope your daughter has a wonderful first week of school! What an exciting time!
Wanda
says:Thank you!
Michelle
says:Yep! That’s my girl. :) I love how engaged she is in the photos, and especially her smile. So thankful for this program!
Marie Rippel
says: Customer ServiceThanks so much for sharing your photos with us, Michelle! :)
Raquel Dunn
says:I’m trying to incorporate more multi sensory lessons into our homeschool
Jennifer Wartick
says:I try to incorporate multisensory into my lessons. With spelling, we use magnetic letters and make sight words.
Diana
says:My son loves this program and feels successful!
Mel
says:Multiple-sensory learning is definitely the best formy child.
Anne
says:I use multisensory teaching in math, science and social studies. I try to use multisensory techniques in spelling.
Stacy Wiley
says:We use multi sensory approaches in our kindergarten!!
Michelle
says:We use a multi-sensory approach with spelling and math.
lisa
says:I am currently using your far-reaching program.
Tammy
says:We are currently using the Madsen Method. This is multisensorary.
Melissa Smith
says:Love All About Spelling and their multisensory approach! We use this approach every day!
Leigh O
says:I currently use Barton Reading and Spelling System with my kids. I am looking for something else to possibly use for my son who is not nearly as dyslexic as my daughter.
Leah
says:We use Legos for math. I haven’t tried any All About products, yet ;-)
Kristin
says:I just bought All About Spelling and was impressed by how clearly everything was laid out! The multiple-sensory approach was the clincher for me. My son has enjoyed using our multisensory math program so much…I was delighted to find a similar spelling program.
Nicole
says:We love anything that uses all the senses. Making connections to what we are learning makes remembering any rules easier. A friend uses All About Spelling and loves it. I have previewed it and love it too. We would love to have our own kit. Blessings to you for sharing.
Rachel Obro
says:My daughter thrives with multisensory learning! We are using the AAR pre-reading program and also a multisensory math program.
Jennifer Bergamini
says:Having a set of twins has been challenging when it came to teaching them to read. That is until I learned methods of teaching that appealed to their learning style. In our case the more senses I reach the better it “sticks”. This is why I really appreciate the All About Learning style. It’s a blessing to use your curriculum.
Tiffany M
says:We are not currently, but i am thinking about adding multisensory instruction with my little ones.
Melissa A.
says:I definitely have a kinesthetic learner, so I’m glad for the multi-sensory program in AAS!
Jessica L.
says:We used something similar to teach my son math :) We would love to have a program like this for the rest of my kids!
Kathryn
says:I could certainly use this in my one-room schoolhouse!
Mom of 2
says:We just started AAS. My little one is thrilled at her success!
Erin
says:I do not currently use a multisensory approach but think it would be helpful for my boys.
Meg
says:Yes, I love to use AAS! My son is 7 and doesn’t want to stop spelling words. I started using a multisensory reading and spelling approach with his older brother who has some learning disabilities. We still use different strategies for his homework.
TRACY ROBERTSON
says:No we have never used a multi-sensory spelling program before. we have an 11 year old who doesn’t read very well. he just can’t seem to remember the letter sounds, but it sounds like this may be just the thing we’re looking for. also we have an 6 year old who is ready to start learning to read.
Jaime B
says:We use AAS with our oldest- I love the multi-sensory approach! My next child in line is especially tactile, so it will be wonderful for her.
a
says:Yes, we use multisensory whenever possible
Cathy Hines
says:Yes, I use a multi sensory approach. I use all that comes with/is suggested in the AAS program. When my children have difficulty learning a new skill I try to think of having them try other sensory ways to learn the material.
zekesmom10
says:I sometimes use flash cards and when they are small, we use letter magnets with LeapFrog products.
Nathalie Balduck
says:I sometimes use self-made multisensory methods with my children, for all learning. I always try to stimulate thier learning by engaging them on multiple levels.
brandy dominy
says:No, but I would like to start!
Valerie
says:I don’t currently use multisensory spelling instruction but think I need to start.
Rachael
says:I love multisensory spelling!
Monica S
says:Interesting post! I am just starting out on this homeschool journey with my 4 year old and we do not currently use multisensory instruction. I would love to try it out!
DailyWoman(Lacey)
says:We don’t currently use any multisensory instructions.
Kristin Gideon
says:We do use multi-sensory instruction. My son is very active and needs many different types of instruction to keep his attention. We are very excited to begin AAS next year!
Rachel Cartucci
says:Everything has to be sensory related for my son to learn…he has autism and using bright colors,sounds,textures,shapes..etc…that is his best way to learn.
Ally
says:We use colour coded letters for spelling.
Faith Heart
says:My child is just now beginning to spell and I am looking for ways to teach him. We do not currently use any multi-sensory items.
Rebecca
says:We use multi-sensory items on occasion, but would like to incorporate it daily into our spelling.
Abigail
says:The more ways they can take the information in, the better!
Kimberly
says:I have been looking at your program for awhile now and have decided to give it a go for the coming year. This approach would be perfect for little girl.
Lina
says:I don’t use a multisensory approach right now, but I intend to do so when my son starts writing. Flashcards and oral repetition are what we focus on this period.
Carolyn Strecker
says:I am currently using All About Reading and All About Spelling. My child is dyslexic, and these programs have
really helped him to improve in both subjects. Thanks Marie!
Channing
says:I just bought the all about spelling for my three kids that are having difficulty with reading, and selling. Any help I can get would be great, and my family has limited funds, so winning a giveaway would be awesome.
Channing, mom and teacher of 5
Julia Cosgrove
says:I am not currently but would love to in the near future.
Amy
says:When possible I try and use a multi sensory approach. Not as much with my son , but with my daughter it is necessary! :)
Karen from CO
says:I don’t intentionally use multi-sensory instruction. But I think that’s because I just don’t know what it refers to. I’ve seen it pop up a lot of places, particularly when talking about teaching preschoolers. This giveaway may help me understand better what multisensory instruction is and how it’s beneficial to my kids. Thanks for the giveaway!
Polly
says:Not for spelling but for math and other subjects. I love hands on stuff.
Nicole
says:We do not currently use a multisensory approach but I know it will be key for my 5 yr old next year.
Shannon
says:My six year old has done so well with the spelling tiles. It has really made spelling fun for him. It is the first subject he asks for!
Teish
says:We’ve added an app to our spelling this year that I think is helping, but our spelling is not completely multisensory. I’d never actually thought of this before. Now I have something to ponder! :-)
Miriam K
says:A couple of friends have recommended All About Spelling and I look foreward to trying it with my 2 boys.
Danielle Hull
says:We are not currently using a multisensory spelling program, but I know one of my children could really benefit! Thanks!
Rae-Lynn Rosefield
says:I try to incorporate singing into our spelling practise. I find putting spelling to a rhythm helps while we’re practising helps me son remember it.
Christa Hannasch
says:I use multisensory items all the time! I love anything that involves multiple senses. This looks like a fantastic way to help learn spelling and word play!
Angela Ruggles
says:We started using multisensory instruction yesterday for Math! Now I have the idea to start with Spelling. Thanks.:)
Iris
says:We use multisensory tools for math and would love to try it out for language arts!
Casey Arellano
says:I currently use All About Reading and I would love to try this kit :)
Kerrie Craig
says:My children have learned so much more with the multi sensory than ever before. It’s crazy how much better it is!
Lacey
says:We use things like playdough and salt trays all the time! Such great info!
Kimberly
says:I have a child that could not spell – really – could not spell. She loves this curriculum and we’re seeing dramatic progress in her ability to spell, but more importantly in her ability to think about how words should/can be spelled. I can read what she writes now!
Jenny
says:My 2 DS use this multi sensory approach and it has made a huge difference for them!
Mary Krzyzanowski
says:i don’t currently used this system, but think it’s great and would love to use it with my children.
Jennifer
says:Would like to start this in our AAS1.
Darla Compton
says:I am trying to incorporate multi-sensory activities into all of my daughter’s areas of learning. This is my first year to homeschool my 3rd grader who is very intelligent and creative but struggles with dyslexia, ADHD, SPD (mostly sensory defensive), dyspraxia, and sequencing difficulties. Thank you for your give-away offer. It would help me tremendously. Blessings, Darla
Marisa
says:I don’t have any of the All About Learning Press and would like to try them.
Kristine M.
says:I try to provide as many hands on learning opportunities as I can for my children. I have been thinking about using sand to write with but wasn’t sure if you had to purchase a specific type or not. These materials look AWESOME and I would love to try them out and let my friends know about them!!
Sarah TerMaat
says:We do not currently use multisensory instruction in our homeschool although I would like to start.
Jennifer Carr
says:We currently use AAS and AAR and try to incorporate as much multisensory learning as possible!
Deanna Endris
says:Currently only using All About Spelling. We have seen great results with our 10 year old son.
Emi
says:This is great! I never thought of using multisensory instruction, especially with spelling.
Mara
says:We are using a multi-sensory approach, since we’re using All About Spelling (and All About Reading)!
Nicolle
says:We do use multisensory methods in our homeschool. My two youngest have autism and hands on materials are the primary way they learn. We are using mostly homemade things for spelling so these would be great!
Jen Brown
says:We use a multi-sensory approach at home! I love how you’ve described it so well here.
jeni
says:Currently, we are in AAR Level 1, so we have not yet incorporated AAS…but looking forward to it!
Amber smyder
says:We are about to begin AAS 1 & very excited about it! We really love AAR!! We don’t currently use many multi sensory tools bc we are not doing much spelling. This kit would make an excellent set of hands-on sensory learning tools for learning to spell!!
Katherine
says:I tend to use mostly visual and auditory paths, but this has me sold on trying a multisensory approach more often!
Alison Roedel
says:I have always taught using a multi-sensory approach. I use AAR and AAS and recommend them to friends looking for homeschooling curriculum.
molly
says:Thank you for doing a giveaway! My 5-yo enjoyed All About Reading Pre-reading. It was great!
Beth
says:My child is very kinesthetic in her learning. This Spelling kit would be WONDERFUL for her! She loves any kind of sensory activities. I love it when learning and fun can blend so beautifully!
Jamie S.
says:Yes,we do use AAS level 1. My kids love it. I know they’d love this new multiple sensory kit!
Mary (Hyacinth Bouquet)
says:We are using the multisensory approach and it seems to work very well.
cindy
says:My two kids love AAS and AAR. Thanks for all the hard work.
Kristy
says:I’d love to use more multisensory methods with my son!
sara o.
says:We currently use a multisensory approach.
Caterina
says:Yes, my kids respond very well to the multiisensory approach. We use play doh, sand trays, shaving cream.
Julie
says:With 7 kiddos, they all have different learning styles, so to reach them all multisensory teaching/learning is the way we go.
Crissy
says:Just ordered All About Spelling! It will be the first multi sensory spelling I have used! Cant wait to get started!
Lisa Bernet
says:I use this with my preschoolers.
Cherie
says:From the last post… it submitted before I was ready. …That compliment AAR and AAS (like Bob Books, and others). Their favorites are the AAR stories. My granddaughter is just now reading the last stories in Run, Bug Run and was so excited to read the last story. I do give them a prize when they finish and pass all the stories of the book.
Marie Rippel
says: Customer ServiceI’m so glad to hear that your granddaughter enjoyed the stories in Run, Bug, Run! :) It’s a big accomplishment finishing those first 14 stories!
Andrea
says:My son is 6 years old, so I try to make most of his learning multisensory.
Wendy Clark
says:I just found out through testing that my son has dyslexia. I am now researching the best way to teach him and am really looking forward to using many of the multi-sensory activites that are suggested. I think he will really enjoy it.
Marie Rippel
says: Customer ServiceDyslexic students typically respond really well to a multisensory approach, so you’re on the right track!
Cherie
says:Yes, I use AAR lev.1 and AAS lev 1. I just received AAR lev. 2 and want AAS lev. 2 soon. This is the best reading and spelling program I have used. I have been homeschooling for most of 29 years, my own kids and now my grandkids. They are most likely both dyslexic, but they have only been learning with Orton-Gillingham materials. They are doing well. The fluency sheets are the hardest for them, but those are getting easier the further they go. I do make them pass sections of the fluency sheets, I retyped them in larger font and they do better. Also they have to pass the stories, no mistakes. I use other little books thatcompliment
Marie Rippel
says: Customer ServiceCherie, you mentioned that the fluency sheets are the hardest part for your children. Take a look at Jolanthe’s blog post to see how she made the fluency sheets easier for her children: http://www.homeschoolcreations.net/2014/03/how-2-sticker-dots-helped-our-reading-lessons/
Wendy Thelen
says:I use multisensory with spelling but I am always looking for new things to incorporate.
karen
says:Until we used AAS, we did not employ all three sensory approaches, Now, it’s really second nature to look for other ways to reinforce their lessons. That being said, we love hearing ideas from others because this mama is not very creative!
Mrs. Cordova
says:I have been using AAS for the last 4 years we are going to use it all the way until we finish level 6 , this curriculum had helped all my children it targets all styles of learning and engages all the senses , this multi sensory approach help the children to fix the information on their brain. Please continue producing products like this. I can wait for this product to be available to buy. I am a little concern about the size of the letters I wish they would be a little bit smaller.
Haley Aldrich
says:We are on AAS Level 2! My son (first grade, age 6) loves it. He likes to spell with the letter tiles and with a marker on the white board. We don’t use other tactile surfaces right now though. I think my younger son (Prek age 4) will need more of the tactile surfaces when he’s ready for spelling.
Mindy
says:We are not currently using multisensory instruction but I think this would be a very helpful approach with my daughter who has learning challenges
Kelly
says:We just started using AAS and love it. I also try to do Math with a multi sensory approach.
Heather Brandt
says:I try but it is challenging sometimes for me to come up with ideas and time and money to implement them. I think multisensory instruction is a wonderful tool for children!
Marie Rippel
says: Customer ServiceHeather, here is an article that has inexpensive ideas for multisensory teaching: http://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/how-to-use-tactile-activities-to-practice-spelling
. Hopefully this helps!
emily
says:Yes! And she’s pretty youmg stoll so we also keep learning anout what motivates her within the multi sensory approach :)
Ashley
says:Not yet!
Carri
says:I have never thought to use a multi-sensory approach to spelling- but this looks really cool :)
Kimberly R
says:We do not use multisensory instruction with our current spelling program. I am sure if we did, it would make spelling more fun and they would retain their words better.
jessica
says:This looks great! I love the multisensory approach to reach kids where they are learning!!!!
Joyce
says:I didn’t know about this kit! It looks great!
lucy
says:This would be great.
Jennifer Greenwald
says:Yes, from a very early age. She’s now 6!
Keri Morrill
says:I didn’t know there was multisensory learning, but it looks like I’d be great for any age. My four babies would definitely love it.
Shandré
says:I really love this you can truly make a difference in keeping learning as multisensory as possible write the words in sand, shaving cream saying them out loud was also some fun we added to our frustrated speller. Thanks Shandré
Lydia
says:I have used the letter tiles with 2 of my children. Thanks for the easy to give lessons with all the tips.
Elize vdMerwe
says:I try to use a multisensory approach with both my boys as they learn better that way, but sometimes it becomes a bit difficult to chop and change what you use and how you do things.
Sheila Coito, RN, BSN, PHN
says:Hi! I just started using AAR #1- and I LOVE it:) I put all of my credentials next to my name above; NOT to be obnoxious, NO!!! I put them there to show you, PROVE to you, that I am more than qualified to teach a 6 year old boy to read. Yet, we are both control freaks and my sweet, smart little boy HATED homeschool when it came to reading and writing! It was always a battle, stalling and dragging on while he had to write and write AND write. Now, he says he LOVES reading and there are no battles! He feels so smart!!! He LOVES the hands on- letter tiles and then a mix of cutting, stapling, folding, gluing w the act sheets. He also loves the books! The stories make us giggle and it was hard to stay frustrated while looking at a picture of a pig in a fancy hat!!! THANK YOU! Ps- I WANT THIS SENSORY KIT!!!(please) :)
Marie Rippel
says: Customer ServiceThanks for your kind words, and for sharing how AAR is working for your six-year-old! It sounds like you’re both doing a great job!!!
Cindy
says:First time I have heard of this product so I don’t currently use any of the items.
Loreen G
says:We use tiles and the word cards
Christine
says:Just opened our Level 2 packet today! I’m learning how to spell myself! I never knew there were actual guidelines to all the irregularities in the English language.
Tanya
says:Wow this is a great idea…
Kristine
says:I love the All about Spelling & Reading programs!! I use both with my 8 year old & my 6 year old. I thank The Lord that I found this program first! My 8 year old is ahead of his age in many areas & his brain is on overdrive all the time. With this program we get all the critical info taught through all sensories without the fluff (he doesn’t sit still for long periods of time). Thank you so much for caring about children education to take the time to put these fabulous lessons together!!
Deanna
says:Yes! But i also have to listen to my son’s cues when he is ready to just move on with something that he already “gets” and not make him keep going over it.
Krystal
says:We are fans of All About Spelling!
Sandy Mills
says:I am so excited about everything I see in this program. I am excited to see if it can help my daughter with breaking up her words, reading, and spelling! :)
Wendy
says:I am so intrigued by this program and would love to try out some more of the materials.
Thanks for the chance!
Dawn
says:I really think this approach could be helpful – would love to try it with my younger children – or a mix of ages.
Sandy Meyer
says:My son loves using the letter magnets during his “All About Reading” lesson!
T
says:Just got this in the mail and can’t wait it try it!
Tracy Berard
says:My little girl has been struggling with her reading and writing. What was, at first, so exciting is now painfully frustrating and discouraging to her. I am hoping that this will be the answer to prayer.
Angela Henson
says:I have downloaded some of the free material and I like that it uses multisensory.
Larissa
says:I have a very engaged 2 year old this would be great for him.
Rebecca
says:I have a special needs child who cannot spell at all. This seems like the kind of thing that could really make a difference for her. She is 11 and she cannot spell cvc words..
Cherie
says:Would love to use this program in my K-5 SDC. All of my students need that multisensory approach for learning,!
Ashlee
says:I ordered AAR for my daughters 1st grade curriculum 2014-2015. have yet to use it but am very excited to.
Mindy H
says:This is our first year with AAR and we love it! We tell everyone about it. We will be beginning AAS soon as well. Your products are absolutely wonderful.
Lacey
says:We are currently using All About Spelling and the multisensory approach is working very well!
Meghan
says:The materials look wonderful! Looking forward to trying them with my children.
Katie R.
says:I HAVE to use a multisensory approach for most every subject for my son. I am very thankful for this curriculum!
Kayla
says:Yes we actually use All About Spelling and love it with all 3 of our children!
AlisonG
says:I have seen my son who has struggled with spelling and reading for years finally be able to decode words. All About Reading and Spelling were both invaluable to him. He said, “Mom, I am finally learning something.”
Lydia R.
says:Not currently, but when he was in preschool we did a lot of rolling/molding playdoh and bread dough into letters and numbers. We also did that with Chinese number characters and his Chinese name.
Amy Millett
says:currently researching spelling programs
Lisa Hammock
says:I love using All About Spelling with two of my sons!
samantha mahbubani
says:I tutor using a multi-sensory approach and love this!
Laura
says:This year has been fantastic! Homeschooling with two levels of reading and I can’t wait to start spelling in the fall.
Crystal G.
says:I try to use as much multisensory instruction with my kindergartener as possible, especially since she gets frustrated quickly when trying more traditional math or writing worksheets.
Jessica
says:My oldest is 3, so I’m looking forward to implementing multisensory activities with him.
Michelle Fournier
says:Our family tried 2 other spelling programs before we heard about All About Spelling. The hands-on, multisensory approach was working for handwriting, and reading, so we decided to try it for spelling as well. AAS has made a huge difference for my eldest son, who has dysgraphia, and all our kids like spelling better when it is not just a pen and paper activity.
Dawn
says:AAS has helped me to teach my oldest to spell & read well above grade level and my youngest is well on his way to follow in his brother’s footsteps! I think the multi-sensory approach is great.
Judith Martinez
says:We haven’t started doing a formal spelling program but I do use a multi-sensory approach to math.
katharine
says:currently we’re just using the tiles, but i’d love to try out the kit. we started using all about spelling this year and it has done wonders. heck, i’ve learned a ton myself. thanks.
Heather
says:I use multisensory instruction with both my 7 & 11 year old kids for our basic homeschooling curriculum. It is called KONOS and has worked very well with both of them, as it helps them retain what they have learned. I just purchased AAS level 1 and can’t wait to start with both of them. My daughter started in public school and was behind in reading and has never been able to spell correctly, so I am going to us AAS with both of them.
Jennifer M
says:We don’t have a kit but we use what we have on hand as much as we can.
Cristina
says:I don’t use the multisensory kit, but I have been using the tiles and cards that come with AAS books ;)
We love it!
Jennifer
says:I’ve never used the multisensory kit; but we will be using the spelling program for the first time next year. I think it would be a great addition to an already great cirriculum.
C.C.
says:We use what came with our AAS kit. We would love to use some more multisensory items. My dyslexic child is still struggling even though he knows the rules; he is not applying them.
Erin
says:I don’t currently. But we are definitely looking for a better way to teach spelling now that I have a child that this is an issue for. This is a great giveaway I would love to have this for my kids!
Kelli
says:I have a child who would benefit from this giveaway. I hope I win. We love the spelling curriculum!
Kelli
sarah
says:We have just purchased this spelling curriculum and are very excited to give it a try!
Kristin
says:We really like this program. One of our favorite tools is writing the words on carpet or some other tactile surface.
Rebecca
says:I love your program. The letter tiles helped my child get a head start in spelling which in turn aided her reading. Learning the spelling rules helped her learn how to sound out non-phonetic words in her reading.
Lindsay
says:I love the letter tiles. My kids can move them around to build their words!
Shannon C
says:My favorite tool has been moveable alphabet either on magnetic board or written on index cards.
Heather
says:We love the All About Reading program! We have purchased the All About Spelling, but have’nt started it yet. I know that this kit will be a great addition though.
Brooke
says:We began All About Reading and All About Spelling with my 7 year this year and have seen much more improvement in 5 months time than ever before. I truly think that learning with a multi-sensory approach is what has helped my wiggly and possibly dyslexic child. Thank you!
Zoe
says:We like