Based on the Orton-Gillingham philosophy of teaching, Multisensory Mathematics applies the research-based Concrete-Representation-Abstract (CRA) approach to teaching mathematics. Using this methodology, parents can guide students from foundation skills and numeracy to place value, operations, fractions and decimals.
The use of manipulatives effectively reinforces concepts, aids memory, and enhances performance for all students. Strategies for helping students learn and retrieve math facts are stressed as well as structured procedures for computational accuracy. This approach is effective for all students and essential for those students that learn differently. Multisensory Math is effective for initial instruction as well as remedial work at all levels and is compatible with all curricula and programs.
The use of Multisensory Math does not end in the elementary grades. It is used in pre-algebra, algebra, and geometry as well. Findings from Neuroscience, the principles of the Science of Learning, and recommendations from the Institute of Educational Sciences support using this approach at the higher grade levels. The use of manipulative objects, concise mathematically accurate language, graphic organizers, gross motor activities and multiple representations can be used to cement long term comprehension and memory of core concepts for secondary student success.
Here are some multisensory math activities to consider:
- Cooking with your child uses all kinds of measurement! Use measuring cups and measuring spoons when making a pan of brownies. You can expand this activity into fractions when you cut the brownies into equal parts. What fraction of the brownie tray did your child eat? What fraction of the brownie tray did big brother eat? Who had the most pieces? Who had the fewest pieces?
- Use bingo paint or circle stickers to build a quantity up to 6. The pattern should match the same patterns that are on dice. You can then use these to play a Name the Quantity game!
- Play Make A 5: This game reinforces the addition facts of 5 and can be used with any facts.
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- Use a bowl and 5 dice that are numbered up to 6.The student rolls all 5 dice at a time. If he/she rolls a 5, he/she will get 1 point. A 1 and a 4 gets 5 points. A 2 and a 3 gets 5 points. No roll receives points unless the student states the addends and the sum. Use tally marks to score.
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- Use a place value chart and popsicle sticks to build quantities! Use an echo mic or fun microphone to have the student state what the quantity is made of and what is the name of the quantity. For example, it is made of 3 hundreds, 4 tens, and 5 ones. It’s name is 345.
- Use an array and base ten blocks to solve multiplication and division problems. Use fraction tiles to solve multiplication and division problems with fractions.
- Use a pipe cleaner to show slope.
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- Increasing slope – Hold the pipe cleaner in the upward direction from left to right. A truck going up a hill is an example of increasing slope.
- Decreasing slope – Hold the pipe cleaner in the downward directions from left to right. A truck going down a hill is an example of decreasing slope.
- Zero slope – Hold the pipe cleaner straight across (horizontal) . A truck driving straight across on a bridge is an example of zero slope.
- Undefined slope – Hold the pipe cleaner straight up and down (vertical). Who works on an undefined slope? Window washers!
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If you are eager to learn more about Multisensory Math, check out Marilyn Zecher M.A., CALT, by visiting the Northern Ohio Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (NOBIDA) website and find more Multisensory Math Rationale details and watch a video of Marilyn in action. Trainings are available for educators and parents this summer in Northeastern Ohio. Find information here: