Multisensory Approaches for Early Literacy Development: A Systematic Review of Strategies and Implementation Challenges

Abstract

Early literacy is the cornerstone of lifelong learning, yet many young children encounter difficulties due to monotonous, one-dimensional instructional methods that fail to engage diverse sensory modalities. This systematic literature review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of multisensory approaches integrating visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile senses in early reading instruction for young children. Following prisma guidelines, this review synthesizes evidence from peer-reviewed articles sourced from Scopus, ERIC, and Google Scholar (2020–2025). The findings indicate that multisensory interventions significantly improve phonemic awareness, word recognition, and learning engagement, while also enhancing retention and motivation. The novelty of this review lies in its systematic mapping of recent international evidence, specifically identifying critical implementation challenges in formal education and offering actionable strategies for teachers and parents. In conclusion, while the multisensory approach proves effective and enjoyable for fostering deeper cognitive development, its success depends heavily on structured teacher training and supportive parental involvement.