Hey there, Joyful Journey Makers! Today, we’re diving into the magic of multisensory learning—and trust me, it’s not just about having your students trace words for the fun of it (although, let’s admit, there’s something soothing about it). If you’ve ever wondered why combining tracing, drawing, and speaking in your lessons works wonders, you’re about to get the scoop! We’re talking brain science here, folks, and how engaging different senses helps students grasp, retain, and use new language. And, spoiler alert—it’s pretty amazing.
But first, a quick question: How do you remember things best? Is it when you hear something? Write it down? Or maybe when you act it out? That’s multisensory learning in action, and for our students learning Spanish, it’s the ultimate trifecta. We’re going to get into the science and then I’ll share my ¿Cómo estás? Tracing, Drawing, Speaking Activities resource as a perfect way to bring multisensory learning into your classroom!
Why Multisensory Learning is the Key to Success
Let’s start with the neuroscience (but don’t worry, we’re keeping it simple—no PhDs required!). The idea behind multisensory learning is that when students engage more than one sense at a time, the brain forms stronger connections. Ever wonder why we have students trace, draw, and say new words out loud? It’s because we’re helping them create multiple pathways to store that information. More pathways = better retention.
- It Activates the Whole Brain: When your students trace, speak, and draw all at once, their brains go into overdrive (in a good way). They’re using visual, motor, and auditory areas of the brain. The more senses we involve, the stronger the memory becomes. It’s like giving your students a map to find the word they need when they need it. Cool, right?
- Active Recall for the Win: You know that satisfying feeling when you finally remember something after struggling? That’s active recall, and it’s exactly what happens when students speak while tracing or drawing. They’re forcing their brain to retrieve that information, which is key for long-term memory.
- Lowering the Pressure: Let’s be honest—speaking a new language can feel like jumping off a cliff without a parachute for some students. But when we let them trace words or draw emotions, we’re giving them the safety net they need. It’s not about perfection; it’s about making progress in a way that’s comfortable and fun.
- Error Correction in Real-Time: When your students trace a word, they can self-correct if something feels off. They’re learning to recognize mistakes in a low-pressure environment, and let’s be real—making mistakes is part of the fun!
How the "¿Cómo estás?" Tracing, Drawing, and Speaking Activity Does It All
Let’s bring this to life with my “¿Cómo estás?” Tracing, Drawing, and Speaking Activity. Imagine a classroom full of students tracing the phrase “¿Cómo estás?” with serious concentration (or as serious as 7-year-olds get), followed by bursts of giggles as they draw silly faces to represent how they’re feeling. It’s language learning meets art class, and honestly, it’s a win-win for everyone.
Here’s how this activity taps into the multisensory magic:
- Tracing + Speaking: As students trace phrases like “Estoy bien” (I’m good) or “Estoy cansado/a” (I’m tired), they’re practicing writing and speaking out loud at the same time. This simple combo reinforces both their motor memory and language processing skills.
- Drawing Emotions: After tracing the words, students draw a face that represents the emotion. This helps them connect the vocabulary to real-life feelings. When they draw a sleepy face for “Estoy cansado/a,” they’re linking the word to an image they can remember (and probably laugh about later).
- Gendered Language Practice: Since Spanish uses gendered language, students get a chance to practice writing and saying both feminine and masculine forms. By tracing “cansada” and “cansado” while speaking it out loud, they learn the difference without it feeling like a chore. It’s just part of the fun.
How I Use This in My Classroom
Let me tell you, this activity is a game-changer in my classroom. My younger students love getting creative with their drawings while practicing phrases like “Estoy enojado/a” (I’m angry) or “Estoy excelente” (I’m excellent). One day, we had an impromptu contest to see who could draw the silliest face for “Estoy cansado/a”—and the results were both hilarious and memorable. By the end of the lesson, students weren’t just repeating the words; they were living them.
What I love most is how this activity gives them confidence. By the time they’re finished tracing and drawing, they’re eager to pair up and practice asking “¿Cómo estás?” with each other. And when they see their drawings on the wall, it’s a visual reminder of how much they’ve learned. It’s fun, it’s interactive, and it keeps them coming back for more.
5 Ways to Use This Activity in Your Classroom
- Morning Meet and Greet: Kick off the day by having students trace “¿Cómo estás?” and draw their emotions on individual sheets. Then, have them walk around and ask classmates the question, showing off their drawings as part of the conversation.
- Language Centers: Set this activity up as a station in your language centers. One station can focus on tracing and drawing, while another emphasizes speaking and listening. This way, students rotate through different tasks, keeping learning dynamic.
- Emotion Walk: After completing the tracing and drawing, organize an emotion walk. Students carry their worksheets and ask classmates how they’re feeling, based on their drawings. It turns the classroom into an active learning zone, full of conversation and movement.
- Classroom Art Wall: Display the students’ completed worksheets on a Classroom Art Wall. Seeing their work up on the wall boosts confidence and serves as a daily reminder of the new phrases they’ve mastered. It’s both art and learning in one!
- Partner Practice: Pair up students and let them ask each other “¿Cómo estás?” while holding up their drawings. Their partner has to guess the emotion based on the drawing, adding an extra layer of interaction and fun to the practice.
The Gist of it All
Bringing multisensory learning into your classroom through activities like my “¿Cómo estás?” Tracing, Drawing, and Speaking Activity helps students feel supported, confident, and ready to take on new language challenges. By engaging their senses, we create a fun, low-stress environment where learning happens naturally. Whether they’re tracing, drawing, or speaking, your students will be building their language skills in a way that sticks.
Resources
Academy, T. (2024, August 1). Interactive fiction: A valuable tool in the classroom. Europass Teacher Academy. https://www.teacheracademy.eu/blog/interactive-fiction/
Hult, S. (2022, December 1). Scaffolding techniques for English language learners: Part 1. Collaborative Classroom. https://www.collaborativeclassroom.org/blog/scaffolding-techniques-english-language-learners-part-1/
Leon, D. (2024, August 15). Effective strategies: Scaffolding for ELL students that benefits the whole class. HMH. https://www.hmhco.com/blog/scaffolding-for-ell-students
Phonics instruction: The value of a multi-sensory approach. Reading Rockets. (n.d.). https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/curriculum-and-instruction/articles/phonics-instruction-value-multi-sensory-approach#:~:text=Multi%2Dsensory%20activities%20provide%20needed,to%20enhance%20learning%20and%20memory
Tower. (2024, April 17). 5 scaffolding strategies for Ell Students. Continental Educational Publisher. https://www.continentalpress.com/blog/scaffolding-strategies-for-ell-students/?srsltid=AfmBOopNXUAWdnpS_M7doMhohb9lZhfspoqKEGI5L04GzDEQ6HYH8oMU