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In my journey as both a parent and educator, I’ve come to appreciate the profound impact that individualized learning can have on a child’s development. When you’re working with children who have dyslexia or dysgraphia, a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. Each child learns differently, and they need an educational environment that honors those differences. That’s where my Montessori background and Multisensory Language Therapy (MSLT) come together to create a truly personalized learning experience.
The Montessori Philosophy: A Foundation for Individualized Learning
Before I became an Academic Language Therapist, I spent over 20 years as a Montessori educator. The Montessori method emphasizes independence, self-directed learning, and a deep respect for the individual child’s learning style. Maria Montessori believed that children are naturally curious and learn best in environments that allow them to explore and engage with material in ways that make sense to them.
This philosophy is deeply ingrained in my approach to teaching struggling readers and writers. Montessori is all about fostering a child’s natural curiosity and offering materials that appeal to their senses. In a Montessori classroom, lessons are often hands-on and encourage movement and interaction, allowing children to engage all their senses to learn and grow. This sensory-driven learning is something I carry into my work with dyslexic and dysgraphia learners today.
Multisensory Language Therapy: Engaging All Learning Pathways
Multisensory Language Therapy (MSLT) is recognized as one of the most effective approaches for teaching children with dyslexia. It works by engaging multiple pathways to the brain—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—to help children absorb and retain information. This method ensures that students experience learning through multiple senses, strengthening neural connections and making the material easier to remember.
What makes MSLT so powerful is that it caters to the way the dyslexic brain processes information. Instead of just reading or hearing instructions, children use their hands, move their bodies, and engage their minds in multiple ways. This makes learning more dynamic and interactive—much like the Montessori approach I was trained in.
Blending Montessori and MSLT: The Best of Both Worlds
When I started incorporating Multisensory Language Therapy into my teaching, I immediately saw the parallels between the two methods. Both Montessori and MSLT emphasize hands-on, individualized learning, and both approaches value the child’s unique way of interacting with the world.
By combining the Montessori principles I practiced for years with the structured, multisensory techniques of MSLT, I’ve developed a teaching style that is both creative and effective. Here’s how I bring the best of both worlds into my sessions:
1. Individualized Learning Plans
Montessori and MSLT are both rooted in the idea that every child learns differently. In my practice, I create customized lesson plans based on each child’s specific learning needs and challenges. Whether a child struggles with phonics, spelling, writing, or reading comprehension, I design activities that target their weak areas while leveraging their strengths.
2. Hands-On Learning
In the Montessori classroom, children learn by doing. This concept is critical when working with dyslexic and dysgraphia learners. I use a variety of multisensory tools—like sand trays, magnetic letters, and colored blocks—to help students physically interact with words and sounds. This kinaesthetic engagement strengthens their understanding of language concepts and keeps them actively involved in the learning process.
3. Encouraging Independence
One of Montessori’s core values is fostering independence. This is something I bring into my work with dyslexic learners as well. Through careful guidance and positive reinforcement, I encourage my students to take ownership of their learning. The more they trust in their own abilities, the more confident and independent they become as readers and writers.
4. Creating a Calm, Child-Centered Environment
Just like a Montessori classroom, my tutoring sessions are designed to create a calm, child-centered environment. Children with dyslexia often feel anxious about reading or writing, so it’s important that they feel safe and supported during our sessions. I take the time to build trust, listen to their concerns, and make learning fun. When children feel relaxed and engaged, they’re more willing to tackle tough material.
5. Integrating Movement
Movement is a key element in both Montessori and Multisensory Language Therapy. I incorporate activities that allow children to move while they learn, whether that’s through tracing letters in the air, using large motor activities to spell words, or even walking while we recite phonemic exercises. This kind of movement-based learning is especially effective for children who struggle to sit still or who need extra sensory input to stay focused.
Real Results: Empowering Struggling Readers
The combination of Montessori principles and MSLT has proven to be incredibly effective in my practice. When children are given the freedom to explore language in ways that make sense to them—while also engaging all their senses—they become more engaged, more confident, and more successful learners.
Many parents have shared with me how surprised they are to see their child smiling and enjoying reading activities that once caused frustration and tears. That’s the magic of this blended approach: It meets children where they are, respects their learning process, and empowers them to make real progress.
A Fun, Interactive Approach to Learning
Incorporating interactive tools and games is another essential element of my teaching strategy. Games, like our VOWEL POWA(R)™ board game, offer a playful yet structured way for children to practice essential reading skills. With colorful game boards and engaging tasks, VOWEL POWA(R)™ highlights each child’s strengths while addressing areas where they need more support. It’s an ideal tool for helping students master vowel sounds and reading fluency, all while having fun.
By blending multisensory techniques with enjoyable activities, children remain motivated and eager to learn—even when the material is challenging. And for those looking to bring this interactive learning tool home, exciting news: In addition to our downloadable version, we’re offering a special pre-order discount on the physical boxed version of VOWEL POWA(R)™ for a limited time!
Why This Approach Works
Children with dyslexia or dysgraphia often feel disconnected from the traditional classroom setting. They’re trying to learn in a way that their brain doesn’t naturally process information. By combining Montessori’s individualized, child-centered focus with the structured, multisensory techniques of MSLT, I’m able to offer students a unique, customized experience that speaks directly to their needs.
The Montessori framework encourages curiosity and independence, while MSLT gives children the tools they need to build essential reading and writing skills. Together, these methods create a powerful learning environment that allows children to overcome their challenges and become confident, independent learners.
Helping Your Child Thrive
If your child is struggling with dyslexia or dysgraphia, I want you to know that there are proven, effective strategies that can help. The combination of Montessori and Multisensory Language Therapy has transformed the way I teach, and I’ve seen firsthand how it can transform the way children learn.
Together, we can create a personalized learning plan that engages your child’s senses, builds their confidence, and helps them unlock their true potential. Every child deserves the chance to feel capable, confident, and excited about learning—and with the right approach, that’s exactly what we can achieve.
Thank you for reading, before you go…
How Can You Help Bring Literacy to All?
Your support, no matter the amount, will make a difference:
For a $50 donation, we’ll gift a game to a teacher of your choice.
For $250, we’ll gift five games to a school of your choice.
Each game we distribute could impact up to 900 children over three years—costing just pennies per child to help prevent the one million students who drop out of high school every year.
Claim Your Free Gift!
As a thank-you for your support, I’m offering a free download of VOWEL POWA(R)™ Level 1 Mini Game. Share it with a teacher, parent, or anyone who knows the struggles of dyslexia, and let’s spread the joy of reading together.
Thank you for helping us make a difference, one game—and one reader—at a time.
If you’re interested in learning more about how I can help your child, please email [email protected]. I work with students both online and in person, and I’m here to support you every step of the way.
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