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What is Multisensory Structured Language?
Video
Demo
 “Multisensory
Structured Language (MSL) is a common sense approach to
beginning reading instruction grounded in reliable and
valid scientific research study.”
| It
includes: |
| • |
Systematic
and direct instruction in phonemic awareness and phonics; |
| •
|
Simultaneous
multisensory activities (namely, printing and speaking
at the
same time); and |
| • |
Direct
instruction in developing knowledge of syllables,
morphology, syntax, and semantics. |
| Systematic: |
| • |
Introduction
of sounds and spellings in a logical and predetermined
sequence; |
| •
|
Consistent
review/of sounds/spellings that have already been
taught when introducing new sounds/spellings; and |
| •
|
Practice
in applying what has been learned to creative and
meaningful reading and writing experiences, with enough
repetition to build mastery. |
| Direct: |
| • |
Using
detailed instructions to show children exactly how
to segment and
blend sounds and spellings; |
| •
|
Using
precise directions to show children how to apply this
skill to actual
words, sentences, and texts. |
| •
|
Using
clear explanations to teach early literacy concepts
and skills such as syllables, morphology, syntax,
& semantics. |
Syllables:
How we divide words into syllables must be taught
directly to help students break down words into smaller
“one syllable” words or chunks:
|
| 1) |
Closed
Syllable - has a short vowel sound and is
“closed in” by a consonant (hap-py) |
| 2) |
Open
Syllable - ends with one vowel that has a
long sound (lo-cate) |
| 3) |
Vowel-consonant-e
Syllable – ends with a silent e that
makes the vowel before it long (in-spire) |
| 4) |
Vowel
Team Syllable – ends with two (or more)
vowels that are pronounced together (play-ful) |
| 5) |
R-controlled
Syllables – ends with at least one
vowel followed by an r (flow-er)
(tur-tle) |
| 6) |
Consonant-le
Syllables – comes at the end of a word
and has no vowel sound (bub-ble) |
| Morphology: |
| • |
A
morpheme is the smallest unit of meaning in the language. |
| •
|
Instruction
includes the study of root words, and beginnings &
endings. |
| •
|
For
example, Psycho (has to do with the mind) |
psychologist
|
psychic
|
psychosomatic |
| psychotherapy
|
psychiatrist |
|
| Syntax: |
| • |
concerned
with the sequence and function of words in a sentence
in order to convey meaning. |
| •
|
Includes
grammar, sentence variation and the mechanics of language. |
| •
|
“Sentence
Scrambling” and “Sentence Extensions”
are good ‘syntax’ activities. |
|
|
|
| Semantics: |
| •
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Concerned
with the meaning of the entire text. |
| •
|
Includes
development of general knowledge, concepts, and vocabulary. |
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