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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; |
| •
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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; |
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Consistent
review/of sounds/spellings that have already been
taught when introducing new sounds/spellings; and |
| •
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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; |
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Using
precise directions to show children how to apply this
skill to actual
words, sentences, and texts. |
| •
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Using
clear explanations to teach early literacy concepts
and skills such as syllables, morphology, syntax,
& semantics. |
Syllables:
Syllable division rules must be directly taught in relation
to the word structure:
1) open syllable (ends with
a short vowel sound) (ha-ppy)
2) closed syllable (ends with
a long vowel sound)(tea-cher)
3) vowel-consonant-e syllable
(silent e) (love-ly)
4) diphthongs or “vowel
teams” syllables (read-ing)
5) r-controlled syllables (teach-er)
6) consonant-le syllables (mant-le)
| Morphology: |
| • |
A
morpheme is the smallest unit of meaning in the language. |
| •
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Instruction
includes the study of root words, and beginnings &
endings. |
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For
example, Psycho (has to do with the mind) |
psychologist
|
psychic
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psychosomatic |
| psychotherapy
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psychiatrist |
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| Syntax: |
| • |
concerned
with the sequence and function of words in a sentence
in order to convey meaning. |
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Includes
grammar, sentence variation and the mechanics of language. |
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“Sentence
Scrambling” and “Sentence Extensions”
are good ‘syntax’ activities. |
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| Semantics: |
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Concerned
with the meaning of the entire text. |
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Includes
development of general knowledge, concepts, and vocabulary. |
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