By Mikayla Peters and Michael Fannin
June 7, 2023
Learning a new language can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to mastering the intricacies of phonics. For non-native English speakers, understanding the sounds of the language is crucial to achieving fluency. One way to help students grasp phonics more effectively is by creating a multisensory game-based learning environment in the classroom. This approach not only makes learning fun but also allows students to engage all their senses, resulting in better retention and understanding.
The Power of Multisensory Learning
Multisensory learning is an educational approach that engages multiple senses simultaneously. This can include taste, touch, sight, sound, scent, and movement. Research has shown that combining various sensory inputs can enhance memory and retention, making it an ideal way to teach phonics to non-native English speakers.
When students are able to experience language through multiple senses, they are more likely to make deeper connections and better understand the material. Additionally, game-based learning environments add an element of fun and competition, which can increase motivation and engagement.
Phonics Games for a Multisensory Classroom
Here are some examples of phonics games that utilize multisensory elements:
1. Phonics Treasure Hunt
Senses used: Sight, sound, touch, movement
Create a treasure hunt around the classroom or school grounds, placing cards with phonics sounds and corresponding pictures. Divide the students into teams and provide them with a map or clues to find the cards. As they find each card, they should say the sound and the word aloud. The first team to find all the cards and correctly pronounce the sounds wins.
2. Sensory Phonics Bingo
Senses used: Sight, sound, touch, scent
Create bingo cards with different phonics sounds and images that represent those sounds. For example, the "sh" sound could be represented by a picture of a shell. To add a sensory twist, provide small items associated with each phonics sound that students can touch and smell, such as a real shell for the "sh" sound. As you call out the sounds, students can mark the corresponding images on their bingo cards and interact with the sensory objects. The first student to get a full row or column wins.
3. Phonics Cooking Class
Senses used: Sight, sound, taste, touch, scent, movement
Teach phonics through a cooking class where students create dishes that start with specific phonics sounds. For example, when studying the "ch" sound, students could make chocolate chip cookies or cheese sandwiches. As they cook, encourage them to say the target sound and the name of the dish aloud. This game allows students to engage all their senses while learning phonics in a fun and interactive way.
4. Phonics Dance Party
Senses used: Sight, sound, touch, movement
Create a playlist of songs that feature specific phonics sounds in their lyrics or titles. For example, the song "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift could be used for the "sh" sound. Have the students dance and sing along to the songs, emphasizing the target phonics sounds. This activity helps students practice their listening skills while engaging in physical movement.
Conclusion
The key to successful phonics instruction for non-native English speakers lies in making the learning process engaging, interactive, and multisensory. By incorporating games that utilize various senses, you can create a fun and stimulating learning environment that will help your students better understand and retain phonics concepts. So go ahead and give these multisensory games a try – your students will thank you!
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