What is "Multisori," exactly?

Meet Multisori: MULTI (ple intelligences + montes) SORI

The term Multisori describes our unique educational approach that blends  authentic Montessori education with elements of Multiple Intelligences Theory. It’s a holistic, child-centered educational philosophy that aims to cater to the diverse ways in which children learn and express their intelligence while remaining true to Montessori methodology and pedagogy.

The concept of Multisori may not be as widely known as the Montessori method itself, but it reflects a growing trend to integrate Montessori principles with modern educational theories, particularly Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. This theory suggests that there are various types of intelligences beyond the traditional understanding of academic or "IQ" intelligence, such as musical, linguistic, bodily-kinesthetic, logical-mathematical, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic intelligences.

Multisori’s MI-informed, Montessori homeschool curriculum focuses on each child’s individual strengths, thereby increasing engagement and supporting longer periods of focus. This is important, especially in light of new research from Angela Duckworth, showing that traditional intelligence, measured in the form of IQ, is NOT the best indicator of future success. Instead, the personality trait we call “grit” is a far better measure. Grit is a blend of passion and persistence, which the Multisori curriculum inspires in young children.

Key Elements of Multisori:

1. Montessori Foundation:
• Multisori is an authentic Montessori curriculum that follows the traditional Montessori scope & sequence, facilitates creation of a prepared environment, instructs in Montessori lesson presentation, encourages self-directed learning, emphasizes the independence of the students, and is easily tailored to each child while facilitating multi-age studies.
• Like the Montessori method, Multisori emphasizes hands-on, kinesthetic learning, self-directed activity, and individualized instruction, allowing children to learn at their own pace.
• Multisori helps parents prepare a calm, organized and child-centered learning environment, with materials that support the development of practical life skills, sensorial exploration, and academic learning.
2. Multiple Intelligences:
• In Multisori, the understanding of multiple intelligences is integrated into the Montessori framework. Educators and parents encourage children to explore their strengths across a range of intelligence area and seek to engage children in work that excites them individually. This individualization, also termed, personalization, is a key to our success with thousands of homeschools and homeschool co-ops.
• For example, a child who excels in musical intelligence might be given opportunities to engage with instruments or learn through song, while a child with strong bodily-kinesthetic intelligence might be provided with opportunities for movement, dance, or building projects.
3. Holistic Development:
• Multisori aims to nurture all aspects of a child’s development, not just academic knowledge. It emphasizes emotional, social, and physical growth, aligning with the Montessori focus on the whole child.
• There is a strong focus on fostering self-esteem, empathy, collaboration, and emotional intelligence alongside cognitive development.
4. Personalized Learning Paths:
• Just as Montessori allows children to follow their own pace and choose activities based on their interests, Multisori encourages educators and parents to recognize and respond to each child’s unique learning strengths and preferences.
• Activities and lessons are designed to be flexible enough to align with a child’s dominant intelligence type. This fosters intrinsic motivation and a deeper understanding of subjects.
• This is why the Multisori curriculum is so voluminous – over 3,000 pages long just for the Montessori primary homeschool curriculum! It is not anticipated that all included activities and manipulatives will be used for each and every child. Instead, educators can select activities and manipulatives that align most closely with the individual child’s interests, talents and intelligences. Anything that isn't used The other can be reserved for siblings with different passions, intelligences and gifts.
5. Varied Teaching Methods:
• A Multisori educator might use different teaching methods for different types of intelligences. For example:
• Linguistic intelligence: storytelling, reading, writing, or word games.
• Musical intelligence: integrating music, rhythm, and movement into lessons.
• Logical-mathematical intelligence: puzzles, problem-solving, and logical reasoning tasks.
• Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence: activities involving physical tasks like building or gardening.
• Interpersonal intelligence: group activities and collaborative learning projects.
• Intrapersonal intelligence: fostering self-reflection and independent learning through journaling or goal-setting.

Benefits of the Multisori Approach:

1. Personalized Learning: Multisori recognizes that children are not one-size-fits-all learners. It allows each child to thrive by addressing their specific strengths and needs.
2. Respect for Individuality: The emphasis on multiple intelligences reinforces the Montessori belief in respecting the child’s individuality and unique potential. Every child is encouraged to learn in their own way, at their own pace.
3. Encourages Well-Rounded Development: By addressing a variety of intelligences, Multisori nurtures the whole child, helping them develop not only academic skills but also emotional, social, and physical capabilities.
4. Intrinsic Motivation: Children are more likely to stay engaged and motivated when learning activities align with their natural strengths and interests.
5. Fosters Creativity and Problem-Solving: The blend of Montessori’s hands-on, kinesthetic learning with a focus on diverse intelligences encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Example of a Multisori Activity:

Take, for example, the Multisori science curriculum, which includes a section on bridges. As you can see from the picture above, Multisori provides a book with sketches and real life pictures of bridges. It includes 3-part-cards and large images of bridges around the world to laminate and hang at the child's eye level. Other activities includes building a bridge of their choice using materials around the house, and building bridges outdoors with items found in nature. These bridges can then be tested to see which structure is more or less supportive.

Here are a few other examples of Multisori activities:

• Musical and Logical Intelligence Activity: A child might work with Montessori beads (for counting and math skills) while also listening to music or rhythm patterns. The teacher or parent could invite the child to create a rhythm pattern that mirrors the mathematical sequence they’re learning.
• Bodily-Kinesthetic and Naturalistic Intelligence Activity: A gardening project where children engage in planting, measuring growth (math), and discussing plant life cycles (science) while working outdoors can integrate several intelligences.

Multisori is an adaptive educational approach that merges the empirically validated Montessori method with our modern, broader understanding of how children learn through multiple intelligences. It emphasizes personalized, hands-on learning experiences that support children’s intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development, catering to the wide range of ways that children process and express their understanding of the world, and ultimately setting the stage for a lifetime of success.

Give Multisori a Try: Get Your Free Curriculum Sample

Download your free 161-page Multisori homeschool curriculum sample now and experience the synergy of Multiple Intelligences and Montessori combined. Our simplified Montessori scope and sequences are our gift to you, no strings attached.