Multisensory Structure Language

First and foremost Multisensory Structured Language (MSL) is an evidence based approach to assist dyslexic children to better grasp literacy.

There are many theories out there promising desperate parents a solution to their child’s suffering but they are not evidence based. And more upsetting then the money that is wasted on them is the time that the children lose while working through these programms. You will find information on non evidence based programs here.

MSL however has been researched and proves to work and is therefore also supported by the Australian Dyslexia Association.

What exactly is MSL?

Some people might have already heard of the Orton Gillingham (OR) approach.MSL is based on the research behind OR and in many ways similar.

Children with dyslexia need a direct and explicit as well as structured and systematic approach when being taught how to read and write.

The multisensory component refers to the involvement of visual, auditory and kinesthetic brain pathways to enhance the memorisation of the written language.

During the MSL lesson the tutor ensure that the connections between the multiple senses are consistently made.

An important component is to train the students phonemic awareness. A lack of phonemic awareness is in many cases the root of all literacy weaknesses. MSL puts a strong focus on phonics and trains the students systematically by giving rules to follow when putting spoken English into written text.