Back to School: Multi-Sensory Learning

Progressive Pediatric Therapy • September 3, 2020

Written by: Kathryn Ring, OT & Tiffany Thomsen, OT. Edited by: Teresa Hans, OT.

Why is multi-sensory learning important during the virtual school day?

A poster for multi-sensory learning during virtual school

The truth is, all children benefit from hands-on learning.

Why?

Providing children with multi-sensory opportunities helps build connections to learning. Using sight, hearing, movement, and touch stimulates the brain in a variety of ways to allow the brain to form meaningful memories that will integrate to form lifelong memories and higher level functioning. With school being virtual, teachers are excited to provide interactive learning options for their students. Teachers have been in training since the beginning of the pandemic preparing to offer innovative ways to provide engaging experiences for their students through the virtual platform. Based on your child’s individual learning goals and assignments, Progressive Pediatric therapists can also provide creative ways to use at home common items  to incorporate multi-sensory learning opportunities into their virtual school day to supplement the virtual experiences and provide rich, hands-on learning experiences within the home.

A young boy wearing a mask is holding a letter a in front of a laptop.
Jose learns the letter “A” using three different sensory approaches: tracing on a tablet, forming the “A” using playdough, and exploring a cut out letter “A”.

How can I incorporate multi-sensory learning into my child’s virtual school day?

Try these activities using common, everyday materials found in the home:

  • Shaving Cream, Sand, or Salt Writing- Place shaving cream, sand, or salt on a cookie sheet and have your child practice their letters, vocabulary, or spelling words! 
A little girl wearing a progressive shirt is playing with shaving cream
Sierra practices letter formation by drawing in shaving cream.
  • Craft Sticks- Have your child build shapes, letters, and pictures of whatever they are learning with craft sticks! 
  • Ziplock Sensory Writing Bags- Fill a freezer bag with hair gel and add food coloring. Use a q-tip or finger for writing. 
A little girl is playing with a bag that says progressive pediatric therapy
Sierra traces number “3” using a sensory gel bag over an outline.
  • Scented Paint- Paint letters or vocabulary words. Have your child sprinkle something smelly on top! Cinnamon and garlic powder work great! 
  • Scented Playdough- Make letters and words out of playdough! Add some peppermint oil to the playdough to add in scent. 
  • Secret Back Words-Draw words or letters on your child’s back and they have to guess what you are writing! Have them draw on your back and switch roles! 
A young boy wearing a mickey mouse shirt sits at a table
Christian practices forming letter “H” using chalk on a mini chalkboard.

Have you tried some of these multi-sensory techniques? Do you have any other favorite ways to reinforce learning through use of multi-sensory instruction and play? Share with us in the comments!

The post Back to School: Multi-Sensory Learning appeared first on PPT4Kids.

What is ARFID?

By Aimee Brueck • August 25, 2025
This is a lesser-known eating disorder compared to anorexia or bulimia. It is known by its English acronym ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). ARFID is characterized by very limited eating, either due to avoidance of certain tastes, textures, colors, smells, or an intense fear of the consequences of eating (such as choking or vomiting). ARFID is not related to body image or a desire to lose weight. ARFID affects the child’s social life—it’s not simply a phase of being a “picky eater.”

¿Qué es el ARFID?

By Aimee Brueck • August 25, 2025
Esto es un trastorno menos conocido como la anorexia o la bulimia. Esto es conocido por sus siglas en inglés como ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder). El ARFID es caracterizado por una alimentación muy limitada, ya sea por la evitación de ciertos sabores, texturas, colores, olores o por un miedo intenso a las consecuencias de comer (como atragantarse o vomitar). ARFID no está relacionado con la imagen corporal ni el deseo de adelgazar. EL ARFID afecta la vida social del niño, no es simplemente una etapa de "comer selectivo"

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By Aimee Brueck • July 18, 2025
A new school year means fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils and a renewed focus on writing. But for many kids, handwriting isn’t just a subject, it’s a foundational skill that impacts how they learn, express ideas, and feel about school.
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July brings long sunny days, school-free schedules, and endless opportunities for play, but for many families, it’s also a chance to focus on something essential: physical development through movement. Summer play isn’t just fun; it’s foundational. It helps children build strength, coordination, and confidence especially when it supports gross motor development .
A family is laying on a blanket in the grass reading a book.

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As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, summer invites children to explore, play, and grow. But with screens so easily accessible, it can be tempting to turn to tablets or TVs for entertainment. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we believe summer is a golden opportunity to engage kids in meaningful, screen-free activities that support their development —in both body and mind.
A young boy is walking with a suitcase at an airport and giving a thumbs up.

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Summer is a season of sunshine, adventures, and unforgettable memories. But for families of children with sensory challenges, the thought of travel can also bring anxiety and overwhelm. At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we believe every child deserves the chance to enjoy summer experiences, comfortably and confidently. With a little planning and the right support, travel can be not just manageable but truly enjoyable!
A woman is holding a little girl in a swimming pool.

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May 22, 2025
As temperatures rise and summer approaches, families across South Florida flock to the water for fun, relaxation, and play. But alongside the excitement comes an important responsibility, water safety . At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we use this time of year not only to promote safe swimming habits but also to spotlight one of our most exciting specialty services: Aquatic Therapy .
A woman is sitting on the floor next to a child playing with toys.

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May is a month of blooming possibilities and brighter days, and for those of us at Progressive Pediatric Therapy, it also marks Better Hearing and Speech Month . A time to shine a spotlight on communication and the professionals who make a lifelong difference: Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) .