Topic: Multimodal Literature--Using All the Senses in Learning

10-second review: Using visual (sight), kinesthetic (touch) and auditory (hearing) modes to “read” the world.

Title: “Multimodal Teaching and Learning: Creating Spaces for Content Teachers.” M Thompson. Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy (October 2008), 144-153. A publication of the International Reading Association (IRA).

Summary: Incorporating as many senses as possible in learning.

Comment: Something to consider in planning your lessons: incorporating as many senses as possible. How, for example, would I teach Jane Eyre, using multimodal learning? Students will read, of course, but they will also read aloud and be read to aloud (both of which they will be prepared for by the teacher). They will view and interpret photographs, diagrams, videos and listen to the commentary that might accompany them. They will use the sense of touch with certain artifacts that are crucial to understanding the environment of the novel.

All right, I’m being theoretical here, but this article does remind us to incorporate all senses into our planning. I never did, but the article and the idea are worth thinking about. RayS.