Blog 4 : Where Literacy Meets STEM—The Power of Multisensory Learning

Where Literacy Meets STEM—The Power of Multisensory Learning

What do decoding a word and building a robot have in common?

More than you think.

At first glance, reading and STEM may seem like separate worlds—one rooted in language, the other in logic and mechanics. But at their core, both disciplines rely on processing information, solving problems, and engaging multiple senses to learn deeply.

That’s why Books, Bots, and Beyond doesn’t treat reading and STEM as separate subjects. It combines them—intentionally and strategically—through a multisensory approach grounded in the Science of Reading.

The Science of Reading: A Proven Path to Literacy

Our literacy foundation is powered by the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE)—the national leader in structured literacy instruction based on the Science of Reading.

This research-backed approach teaches reading the way the brain learns best:

• Through explicit, systematic instruction
  
  

• Using visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic modalities
  
  

• Reinforcing phonemic awareness, decoding, fluency, and comprehension step-by-step
  
  

Multisensory instruction isn't just a buzzword—it’s a powerful way to help all students, especially those with reading difficulties, build strong, transferable literacy skills.

STEM: A Natural Extension of Multisensory Learning

STEM education also relies on active, hands-on learning. Students don’t just read about science or technology—they build, test, observe, and revise. In Books, Bots, and Beyond, this process mirrors the structure of our literacy instruction.

Here’s what it looks like:

• Students might begin a session by reading a short article on circuitry (visual/auditory).
  
  

• They then follow written directions to build a simple circuit board (tactile/kinesthetic).
  
  

• They reflect verbally or in writing about what worked and what didn’t (reinforcing literacy and comprehension).
  
  

In other words, they’re learning to read and reading to learn—all in one session.

Why This Matters for Learning—and Equity

Multisensory learning ensures students aren't left behind just because one mode of instruction doesn’t click for them. It reaches students with different strengths, learning styles, and needs—making learning more inclusive, engaging, and lasting.

This is especially crucial in under-resourced schools, where students may not have access to:

• Differentiated instruction
  
  

• Enrichment activities
  
  

• Experiential learning opportunities
  
  

By blending structured literacy with engaging STEM experiences, Books, Bots, and Beyond ensures students build skills with purpose and context, accelerating growth across both areas.

“I Never Thought of Myself as a Reader—or a Builder”

We often hear students say things like this. Until now, they’ve never experienced success in either area. But with this integrated, multisensory model, they begin to see themselves differently.

They’re not just readers. They’re scientists, coders, and creators—because we’re teaching them in a way that activates their whole brain and invites them to use all their senses to learn.

Built on Evidence. Backed by Science. Supported by National Partners. Designed for Impact.

Books, Bots, and Beyond is the only after-school program that:

• Combines Science of Reading-aligned literacy instruction from IMSE
  
  

• Integrates hands-on STEM experiences designed by IMSE’s partner, Dyslexic Edge, that reinforce those skills
  
  

• Is delivered by IMSE-certified instructors from Strands of Accelerated Reading (SOAR)
  
  

• Is scaled and supported nationally by the IMSE Foundation and National Literacy Coalition
  
  

This is not enrichment for enrichment’s sake. It’s an intentional learning design with measurable academic outcomes and real-world applications.

Investing in the Way Students Learn Best

When donors support this program, they aren’t just funding extra hours after school—they’re fueling a learning model that works, especially for students who have been underserved for far too long.

And when school leaders implement it, they’re saying yes to a program that aligns with the latest science, educational equity, and student success.

Want to bring this multisensory model to your school—or help fund its expansion? Let’s talk.