Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills

Rating:
Summary: A parent's point of view
Review: ...this is a great book that I've searched for. It pulls tons of useful information about dyslexia into one spot. Only one warning I would send out to parents - this is a textbook not a "pop culture" book. I've found the reading slow going as I'm unfamiliar with many of terms and concepts as I'm not a linguist or teacher. Having said that, I belive I now understand how to help my daughter learn easier which will open many previously closed doors to her. The textbook is worth the effort!!

Rating:
Summary: Goldmine of Theory and Practicality
Review: In Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills, Dr. Judith Birsh has succeeded in bringing together the expertise of a constellation of respected and well-known contributors to produce what will undoubtedly become a highly prized and much-used text/reference book in the field of dyslexia and learning differences. Calling on various authorities to write sections in their area(s) of greatest interest and strength, she has developed a greatly needed resource for understanding, teaching, assessing, and parenting those who have dyslexia and related disorders.

Beginning with the definition and characteristics of dyslexia, a discussion of the latest research in the field, and the need for all teachers to understand the structure of the English written code, the book gives the prospective reader an overview of the eighteen chapters by offering chapter summaries. Other aids for the reader include extensive references for each chapter; graphics and other illustrations; a glossary of key terms; and a most carefully organized appendix of materials and sources.

In an enlightening and forthright discussion of multisensory instruction, the authors of the first chapter address the issue of lack of research studies concerning the efficacy of multisensory teaching. They conclude, however, that there is theoretical support for this approach and that, until research is able to confirm or disprove the effectiveness of multisensory instruction, it behooves teachers to rely on their own experience and professional judgment, as well as on the professional judgment of others who, over the years, report student success when multisensory instruction is used.

The Chapter One discussion of multisensory methods provides the platform upon which the remainder of the book is built. Subsequent chapters proceed logically from the role of oral language to the importance of phonological/phonemic awareness and alphabetic knowledge in the teaching of accurate decoding and reading fluency. A most helpful treatise on the teaching of reading comprehension follows discussion of these vital elements of effective reading from a multisensory perspective.

Readers will also find instructive and well-written sections on such subjects as multisensory mathematics instruction; oral language; phonological awareness; spelling; handwriting (including the multisensory presentation of manuscript letter forms); organization and study skills; and several other subjects. In addition, chapters dealing with adult and high functioning dyslexics, parenting issues, and transition to the general classroom and content areas present materials of high interest and utility.

Instructors in university undergraduate and graduate classes will find this book to be an excellent choice as the text for reading disability courses. It is suggested that the editor and publisher consider developing an instructor's manual and, perhaps, a student guide as supplementary materials for this book.

Having just ordered five copies of this book for use in our university classes for training dyslexia specialists, this reviewer submits that those who deal with learning different individuals will find this book to be a goldmine of theory and practicality.

Jo Polk, Certified Academic Language Therapist and Director of the Learning Therapist Certificate Program, Southern Methodist University