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:
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.
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:
Concerned with the meaning of the entire text.
Includes development of general knowledge, concepts, and vocabulary.

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