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Writer's pictureSusan Ardila

Engage and Excel: Incorporating Multisensory Math Instruction in a Virtual Setting

Updated: Aug 3

Math Manipulatives

Welcome to MindBridge Math Mastery, where we master brilliance through mindful methods. Today, we're exploring the fascinating world of multisensory learning—a method that engages multiple senses simultaneously to enhance understanding and retention. This blog post will delve into the benefits of multisensory learning for math education, outline effective techniques for virtual learning sessions, and demonstrate how this approach can make math more accessible and enjoyable for all students.


What is Multisensory Learning?

Multisensory learning involves engaging multiple senses—visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic—during the learning process. By stimulating various sensory pathways, students can form stronger connections with the material, leading to improved comprehension and retention. Research has shown that multisensory techniques are particularly effective in math education, as they help students understand abstract concepts by linking them to concrete experiences.


Research Findings:

Students using manipulatives

1. Enhanced Memory and Retention: Studies have shown that students who learn through multisensory methods have better memory retention. Engaging multiple senses creates multiple pathways for information retrieval, making it easier for students to recall learned concepts.


2. Improved Engagement: Multisensory learning keeps students engaged by catering to different learning styles. This approach reduces boredom and increases motivation, leading to a more dynamic and interactive learning experience.


3. Greater Understanding of Abstract Concepts: Math often involves abstract ideas that can be challenging to grasp. Multisensory techniques provide tangible experiences that make these concepts more accessible and easier to understand.


Key Techniques for Incorporating Multisensory Learning into Virtual Math Sessions

1. Visual Techniques:

  • Interactive Whiteboards and Drawing Tools: These tools allow students to visualize problems and solutions, making abstract concepts more concrete.


  • Visual Aids: Charts, graphs, and videos can break down complex ideas into manageable parts, helping students see the relationships between different concepts.


  • Color Coding: Using different colors to highlight various parts of equations or geometric shapes can enhance understanding and retention.


2. Auditory Techniques:

  • Educational Songs and Rhymes: These can help students memorize math facts and formulas. Even something as simple as chanting facts in a rythmn is beneficial.


  • Verbal Explanations and Storytelling: Turning math problems into stories can make lessons more engaging and relatable.


  • Math Podcasts and Read-Alouds: These provide auditory input that can reinforce learning and introduce new concepts in an interesting way.


3. Tactile and Kinesthetic Techniques:

  • Virtual Manipulatives: Online tools like Mathigon and GeoGebra allow students to manipulate objects and explore math concepts interactively. However, virtual manipulatives should not replace physical ones. Drag-and-drop activities activate different parts of the brain compared to hands-on building, making them ideal for practice after transitioning from physical manipulatives to representational diagrams.


  • Hands-On Activities: At home, students can use household items like craft sticks, beads, and string for DIY math games and crafts that complement virtual lessons. Using everyday items like breadsticks and beads to explain place value makes learning more tangible.


Crossed arms
  • Movement-Based Learning: Integrating physical activities, such as drawing shapes in the air (skywriting) and saying the terms out loud, can help kinesthetic learners grasp math concepts through simultaneous processing. The more senses you incorporate, the better. For example, don't just draw a shape; model it with your body or arms while saying it out loud. Engaging multiple senses activates more parts of the brain, solidifying learning.


  • Traditional Manipulatives: Incorporate traditional math manipulatives, like place value blocks or fraction tiles, using a document camera to showcase them. This doesn't replace the need for students to touch and build with their hands, but it's a valuable supplement.


4. Integrating Technology:

  • Adaptive Learning Software: Programs like DreamBox and Khan Academy personalize learning experiences based on individual progress and needs.

  • Gamification: Turning math practice into games can make learning fun and competitive, enhancing engagement.


  • Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): These technologies offer immersive experiences that bring math concepts to life.


Applying Multisensory Learning to Various Math Topics

1. Arithmetic:

  • Manipulatives: Virtual tools like base-ten blocks can help students understand place value and operations. Physical items like craft sticks can be used at home to illustrate place value.


  • Educational Songs: Rhymes and songs can aid in memorizing multiplication tables. Even something as basic as chanting is beneficial.


2. Geometry:

  • Drawing Tools: Interactive whiteboards allow students to draw and explore shapes, angles, and transformations.


  • Physical Models: Using household items to create 3D shapes can help students visualize geometric properties.


3. Algebra:

  • Color Coding: Highlighting different parts of an equation can make solving for variables more intuitive.


  • Story Problems: Turning algebraic problems into real-life scenarios can make abstract concepts more relatable.


4. Calculus:

  • Graphing Software: Tools like Desmos allow students to visualize functions and their derivatives.


  • VR Experiences: Virtual reality can help students explore concepts like limits and integrals in a dynamic way.


The Role of Manipulatives in Math Education

Math Manipulatives

All students, not just younger ones, can benefit from using manipulatives. These tools are crucial for introducing new topics and making concepts concrete. However, they are meant to be temporary aids. The goal is to move students from concrete manipulatives to drawing representations and finally to abstract thinking with numbers and symbols. While manipulatives might take longer and create more mess, their role in solidifying understanding cannot be overstated.


Virtual manipulatives have their place in the learning process but should be used strategically. Drag-and-drop activities are excellent for practice after students have transitioned from physical manipulatives to representational diagrams and pictures.


Impact on Diverse Learners

Multisensory learning is particularly beneficial for diverse learners, including students with learning disabilities and English language learners. This approach provides multiple avenues for understanding, catering to different learning styles and needs.


1. Students with Learning Disabilities:

  • Enhanced Accessibility: Multisensory techniques can make math concepts more accessible by providing alternative ways to understand and engage with the material.


  • Improved Focus and Motivation: Engaging multiple senses helps maintain attention and reduces frustration, making learning more enjoyable.


2. English Language Learners:

  • Language Support: Visual aids and hands-on activities can bridge language barriers, helping students grasp math concepts without relying solely on verbal explanations.


  • Cultural Relevance: Storytelling and real-life scenarios can be tailored to include culturally relevant examples, making learning more meaningful.


Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Happy young girl virtually learning

Multisensory learning is a powerful tool in virtual math education, offering numerous benefits for K-12 students. By engaging multiple senses, this approach enhances understanding, retention, and engagement, making math more accessible and enjoyable for all learners. At MindBridge Math Mastery, we're dedicated to incorporating innovative techniques like multisensory learning to help your child excel in math. Explore our services and see how we can support your child's academic journey.


Ready to transform your child's math education? Contact MindBridge Math Mastery today or go online to book a free consultation. Share your experiences with multisensory learning in the comments below and follow us on social media for the latest educational strategies and tips.



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