Why Multi-Sensory Learning Should Be the Norm in Primary Education
Educational and Fun Activities
Written by Amelia Jones
29 April 2025
🕓14 min
In today’s rapidly changing world, education can no longer rely on a one-dimensional approach. Children are growing up in a world of constant stimuli—sounds, visuals, touchscreens, and interactive environments are part of their everyday lives. So why should the classroom be any different?
As traditional teaching methods struggle to keep pace with the way children naturally absorb information, the education sector is embracing a more dynamic, flexible, and child-centred approach: multi-sensory learning. This strategy involves engaging two or more senses at a time to deepen learning and make lessons more meaningful.
1. What Is Multi-Sensory Learning and Why Does It Matter?
Multi-sensory learning is grounded in the science of how the brain processes and retains information. By engaging multiple senses, educators can stimulate more areas of the brain simultaneously, reinforcing connections and making learning "stick" longer. Imagine a literacy lesson where students not only read a new word but hear it pronounced, trace its shape in sand, and use their bodies to form the letters. This layered approach transforms simple reading into a full-body experience—and that’s when true understanding begins.
But multi-sensory learning goes far beyond just fun and games. Research in cognitive development consistently shows that children retain more information when they experience it through multiple sensory pathways. It’s especially powerful in the early years when brain plasticity is at its peak. Rather than expecting all children to learn by listening or reading alone, multi-sensory learning acknowledges that how a child learns is just as important as what they learn. And in primary education—where curiosity, creativity, and connection are crucial—it may be the most effective approach we have.
When used intentionally, multi-sensory techniques can help pupils access more complex ideas sooner. It turns a passive learning environment into an immersive one, where students aren’t just hearing about the world—they're interacting with it.
2. Supporting All Types of Learners—Especially the Ones Who Need It Most
Every child brings a unique set of strengths and challenges into the classroom. Some are naturally auditory learners who process information best through sound. Others are visual thinkers, while many rely on physical movement or hands-on interaction to grasp new ideas. This diversity of learning styles is not a hurdle—it’s an opportunity. Multi-sensory learning helps bridge gaps and ensures no child is left behind.
For example, a child with dyslexia may struggle with reading fluency, but when letters are taught using colour coding, songs, and tactile play, decoding becomes far less daunting. A pupil with ADHD who has trouble sitting still might thrive in a lesson where movement is encouraged and materials are explored physically.
Teachers who incorporate multi-sensory learning don’t just adapt to neurodiverse learners—they celebrate them. They create inclusive spaces where every child feels empowered to learn in their own way. This builds confidence and reduces the stigma that often accompanies learning difficulties. Moreover, this approach isn’t about separating children into different groups—it’s about lifting the entire classroom. When all learners benefit, peer collaboration improves, classroom morale increases, and the whole school culture becomes more empathetic and equitable.
3. Building a Deeper Connection to Learning
What’s more memorable: reading about volcanoes in a textbook—or building one that erupts on your desk? Multi-sensory learning gives lessons an emotional and physical weight that sticks in students’ memories. When children feel science fizz, hear maths in rhythm, or see history come alive through storytelling and props, they form a deeper connection to the subject matter.
That connection is vital in primary education, where abstract concepts can often be hard to grasp. By grounding ideas in real-world experiences, teachers help children develop genuine understanding rather than surface-level memorisation. The result? Children become invested. They talk about what they’ve learned at home. They ask more questions. They want to come to school.
Over time, this builds a lifelong love of learning. Pupils see education not as a chore but as an exciting process of discovery. Their curiosity grows, and so does their willingness to take intellectual risks—a key ingredient in academic and personal growth.
4. Creating Classrooms That Feel Safe, Stimulating, and Inclusive
Multi-sensory environments aren’t just engaging—they’re emotionally intelligent. They help children feel grounded, regulated, and safe. This is particularly important for pupils with anxiety, sensory processing differences, or trauma backgrounds. Consider a child who finds loud noises overwhelming. In a multi-sensory classroom, that child might wear noise-reducing headphones and engage with calming sensory tools while still participating fully. For another student who struggles with transitions, visual schedules and tactile countdowns can help ease anxiety and keep them connected to the routine.
These small adjustments have a massive impact. They send a message that all students matter—that their comfort and preferences are part of the learning plan. When children feel understood and respected, their engagement skyrockets.
And it’s not only children who benefit. Teachers working in multi-sensory classrooms often report lower behavioural issues, stronger relationships with pupils, and a greater sense of fulfilment. In other words, inclusive teaching supports everyone involved.
5. Making Multi-Sensory Learning the Everyday Standard
Despite its benefits, multi-sensory learning is still often seen as a supplement rather than a staple. It may appear in the occasional themed day or creative project, but rarely does it underpin an entire curriculum. That needs to change. To make multi-sensory learning the norm, schools must commit to a cultural shift—one that values exploration, experimentation, and emotional safety just as much as academic results. This starts with leadership. School heads, curriculum planners, and education authorities must champion these methods and allocate the time and resources to support them.
Professional development is also essential. Teachers need both the tools and the confidence to experiment, reflect, and evolve their practice. Simple swaps—like using manipulatives for maths or turning reading comprehension into a storytelling performance—can go a long way in making daily lessons more engaging.
And importantly, families should be invited into the process. When parents understand and support multi-sensory learning at home, it reinforces its effectiveness and creates continuity between school and home life. The future of education lies in this holistic, inclusive model. If we truly want to prepare children for a world that demands adaptability, empathy, and innovation, then we must teach in a way that honours those qualities from the very beginning.
Conclusion
In an ideal world, every classroom would be a place where learning comes alive—not just through textbooks and lectures, but through smell, sound, sight, and touch. Multi-sensory learning isn’t a novelty—it’s a necessity for inclusive, effective primary education. It helps children of all abilities feel successful. It makes learning joyful, memorable, and meaningful. And most importantly, it creates a foundation of confidence and curiosity that supports children not just in school—but throughout their lives.
We owe it to every learner to create classrooms where they can be seen, heard, and fully engaged. With multi-sensory teaching, that vision is entirely within reach. At Science of sound, we specialise in delivering multi-sensory science workshops that spark imagination, build confidence, and make learning unforgettable. Our sessions are designed for all learners, including those with SEND or additional needs.
Together, let’s make learning more inclusive, exciting, and full of possibility. Book your next enrichment event, sensory science day, or themed workshop today.
