Deputy News

Multistructured Sensory Learning (MSL) at Sacred Heart

Have you ever wondered what MSL stands for?

At Sacred Heart, we often talk about MSL — it stands for Multisensory Structured Language.

MSL and Structured Literacy are based on the same principles of instruction required for effective literacy instruction. MSL includes the six essential components of reading outlined in the National Reading Panel research document as well as in the body of research known as the Science of Reading (Reading League, 2020). Training in MSL is an instructional approach that includes elements of both Structured Language & Literacy as well as penmanship, spelling and writing.

The Power of Multisensory Teaching

Multisensory (or multi-modal) teaching is a highly effective approach used by specially trained educators to support all learners. This type of instruction is direct and explicit, structured and systematic, cumulative, cognitively engaging, emotionally supportive, and focused on making meaningful connections between speech and print. A key element of this approach is the V-A-K model, which activates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning pathways simultaneously. By engaging multiple senses at once, students are better able to retain and understand written language.

Skilled MSL educators provide targeted instruction that strengthens the connections between what students see (visual), hear (auditory), and do (kinesthetic) as they learn to read and spell. This multisensory approach helps build confident, capable learners by supporting a deeper and more connected understanding of language.

MSL can be successfully integrated into school settings to support all learners. Unlike a set program, MSL is a flexible and evidence-based teaching approach that allows for differentiation — it's not a one-size-fits-all model. It can complement and enhance a school's existing literacy curriculum, with growing evidence showing benefits for all students in inclusive classrooms. MSL provides rich multisensory input and output, enabling students to engage their strongest sensory pathways while also strengthening weaker ones that supports deeper learning and greater retention.

The earlier MSL is introduced, the more significant the long-term outcomes. Early years teaching is critical. When MSL is embedded in the early grades, it can have a profound and lasting impact. It is essential that teachers working in the foundational years are equipped with training that bridges the science of reading with practical, multisensory strategies. This kind of training has the potential to reduce the number of students who struggle with reading, writing, and spelling especially those who face no clear cognitive or sensory challenges but still fall behind.

We are extremely fortunate to have staff who are prepared to invest both personally and financially in completing the MSL course being offered here in Melbourne this week. Both Miss Prosser and Jane Bertacco have now completed the theory component of the course, which they will follow up with 100 hours of MSL teaching over the next 12 months. Our growing team is very much #thebestinthebayside.

Have a fabulous weekend, stay warm and rest up - we are almost at the end of a very busy term.

Kate Stroud 

Deputy Principal