Why are multisensory approaches used in structured literacy?

Multisensory approaches in structured literacy are designed to enhance memory and understanding by engaging multiple senses simultaneously, such as sight, sound, and touch. This method recognizes that individuals learn in different ways and that involving various senses can create more meaningful connections with the material. For example, when students use tactile materials to form letters while simultaneously saying the sounds they represent, they are likely to retain that information better. This technique helps in reinforcing learning by providing multiple pathways for information to be processed and retrieved.

By engaging different senses, students with diverse learning preferences and needs can benefit from these strategies, making it easier to comprehend and remember the concepts being taught. This approach is particularly effective in structured literacy, which aims to provide comprehensive and systematic instruction in reading and writing.