Learning to Read Through Sight, Sound, & Movement
Reading begins long before children pick up their first book. In this project, Evelyn Fernandez explored how multisensory phonemic awareness activities can strengthen early literacy skills in preschool students, particularly those from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Her research was presented at the Graduate Poster Exhibition during the 2025 SPARK! (Showcase of Projects, Art, Research, and Knowledge), which highlights graduate research and creative work across disciplines at Rutgers University–Camden. Developed in the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program in Teacher Education, this action research project examines how intentional, sensory-rich instruction can support foundational reading skills in early childhood classrooms.
The abstract below introduces her work.
Abstract: How the Use of Multisensory Phonemic Awareness Activities Impacts the Early Reading Skills of Preschool Students
This action research project investigates the impact of multisensory phonemic awareness activities on the early reading skills of preschool students. The study focuses on four students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds in an urban preschool classroom.
Recognizing that traditional phonics instruction often falls short for students with learning challenges, the project integrates multisensory activities such as the Sound Scavenger Hunt, Rhyming Songs, and Musical Name Chairs. These activities engage sight, sound, touch, and movement to make learning interactive and accessible.
Data collection involved pre-assessments to establish baseline literacy skills, followed by structured observations of student engagement and progress during the activities. Results revealed that most students demonstrated measurable improvements in letter recognition, rhyming awareness, and phonemic identification. Students A, B, and C exhibited significant progress, while Student D showed minimal improvement, indicating the need for additional support.
Engagement levels were generally high, with activities rated positively by students, underscoring the effectiveness of incorporating multisensory elements. This research highlights the potential of multisensory methods to enhance foundational literacy skills, particularly for students from diverse backgrounds or with developmental challenges.
By tailoring instruction to individual strengths and sensory preferences, educators can foster inclusive, engaging learning environments. These findings advocate for the broader implementation of multisensory strategies in early literacy programs to support diverse learner needs and promote academic success.
Graduate Poster Exhibition at SPARK!
The Graduate Poster Exhibition celebrates the research and creative work of the graduate community, showcasing everything from prose and code to original research and artistic expression. As part of SPARK! (Showcase of Projects, Art, Research, and Knowledge), a reimagining of Research Week, the exhibition highlights the depth, range, and impact of graduate scholarship and invites the campus community to engage with ideas taking shape across disciplines.
Empower Your Teaching Journey with Rutgers–Camden’s M.A.T. Program
At Rutgers University–Camden, the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) program equips aspiring and current educators with a robust foundation in pedagogy, classroom methodologies, and educational theory. Aligned with New Jersey Department of Education standards, the program offers hands-on experience through year-long placements in local schools, ensuring practical learning. With concentrations in Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education, the M.A.T. program prepares educators to effectively teach diverse subjects across various grade levels. Graduates emerge with a comprehensive understanding of educational practices, diversity’s role in the classroom, and professional responsibilities, ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
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