Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills

by Judith R. Birsh

Comprehensive and practical, this guide reveals the benefits of using multisensory instruction in any classroom. After they review 50 years of research and clinical experience with children and adults with learning disabilities, the contributing authors explain how and why multisensory methods work. The result of their efforts is a thorough volume that puts theory into practice with specific teaching approaches that phonological awareness
alphabet skills
spelling
grammar
reading accuracy and fluency
reading comprehension
handwriting
composition
organization and study skills
communication with parents In addition, the book pays special attention to the connection between oral language and literacy, the history of the English language, transition into the general classroom after special education, adult literacy, and high-functioning adults with learning disabilities. Field-tested instructional materials and activities are included, along with observation and assessment models.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction

563 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1999

Reviews

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great text on structured multi-sensory literacy intervention. I will be keeping this one within reach for the rest of my days. Very practical.

[Ann Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a reason this is called the “Birsh Bible” among reading interventionists. It’s the most comprehensive dive into research in all aspects of reading and explains multi sensory structured literacy in depth. A must read for any teacher of reading. But be warned - it’s a brick to get through!

[Kelly]

Excellent text book! So much information that will help in my work as an SLP and as an OG tutor. I think it should be included in university studies for teachers and SLPs. Can't recommend it highly enough...and that's something since it's a text book!

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read Act PTSD still loomed large when I cracked this beast open in January. Required reading. On one hand, kind of interesting, but reading about the science of reading is mostly its own kind of torture, in my opinion.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on teaching reading I have ever read. Ever.

[Nikki Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are into a complication of research articles like I am, this book is for you! This would be a wonderful text for a college course.

[Heather Doolittle]

Great book! (The fourth edition at least. Didn't see that option to mark as read.)

[Christine (Tina) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense information about best practices in assessment and teaching reading skills to at-risk students.

[Michelle Qazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is packed with such great information about all things literacy related. I learned so much and can now use this information to help my students. Do you know why focusing doesn't double the s when adding the suffix? The doubling rule states that in a multisyllabic word if the final syllable ends in 1 consonant, has 1 vowel, and holds the accent then you double the final consonant before adding a suffix. In the case of focus, the accent is on the first syllable, so you don't double the final consonant.