Learning with the 5 senses: an effective and natural method

What does science say? Hello, les francophones! Here's the next part of the neurolinguistic techniques for language learning. This section is easier to understand and apply. It works without a doubt, and you can try it on your own starting today.

Many neuroscience studies have shown that the brain learns better when it is stimulated through multiple sensory channels at the same time. This means that when we use sight, hearing, touch, movement, and even emotions, we strengthen the neural connections related to learning.

This principle is called multisensory learning. It has been used for years with children and people with dyslexia, but it is also very useful for foreign language learners. Learning a language is not just about memorizing words — it’s about living a sensory and emotional experience.

By combining several senses, you can remember vocabulary more easily, improve your pronunciation, and above all, stay motivated. In this article, you will discover how to use each of your senses to improve your French — with practical examples you can do alone at home.

1. Sight: learn with images

Why is this important?

Visual memory is very powerful. It allows us to memorize scenes, colors, objects , which facilitates understanding and memorizing vocabulary.

How to use this sense?

• Create flashcards with pictures and colors.

  
  

• Read comics or illustrated stories .

  
  

• Watch cultural videos or French series with subtitles.

  
  

• Imagine a complete scene every time you learn a new phrase.

  
  

Example :

Instead of simply saying "The weather is nice" , imagine:

“The sky is clear blue, the sun is shining, birds are flying above the rooftops of Paris.”

2. Hearing: learn with sounds

Why is this important?

Listening to French regularly allows you to better understand the pronunciation, rhythm, and melody of the language. It also helps you speak better because your ear gets used to the specific sounds of French.

How to use this sense?

• Listen to podcasts, dialogues, radio, reports or French songs.

  
  

• Repeat aloud to imitate the rhythm and intonation.

  
  

• Record yourself to correct your pronunciation.

  
  

• Close your eyes and try to guess the sounds in a scene (market, street, school, etc.).

  
  

Example :

“You are at the market, you hear the shouts of the merchants, the laughter of the children, the sound of footsteps on the cobblestones, and the sound of an accordion in the distance.”

3. Touch: learn with your hands

Why is this important?

Touch activates motor memory , which is often used in children. Writing, tracing, touching, or manipulating objects helps memorize words and shapes .

How to use this meaning?

• Write the words with your finger in the air or on a table.

  
  

• Make your own vocabulary cards out of paper, fabric, or cardboard.

  
  

• Match objects to words (e.g., touch a “cup” when you say “ la tasse” ).

  
  

• Draw the words or create a tactile mind map .

  
  

Example :

Write “bonjour" on your table with your finger while saying it aloud. You're engaging sight, touch, speech, and hearing all at once!

4. Movement: learn by moving

Why is this important?

Movement stimulates body memory . When you move, you are more focused and active. This is very useful for learning verbs or action phrases.

How to use this sense?

• Act out the actions when you say verbs (jump, run, sleep, etc.).

  
  

• Create gestures for each word or phrase .

  
  

• Learn while walking, making gestires or even dancing!

  
  

• Associate each word to a specific posture or movement .

  
  

Example :

“I jump! You jump! He jumps!” → And you really jump while repeating the sentence.

5. Emotions: learn with the heart

Why is this important?

Emotions play a vital role in learning. When you feel something strongly or personally , your brain stores the information more deeply.

How to use this sense?

• Associate the words with personal memories or emotions.

  
  

• Write short stories or imaginary dialogues .

  
  

• Describe sensory experiences (tastes, smells, sensations, etc.).

  
  

• Choose themes that interest you : family, passions, travel, etc.

  
  

Example :

“I'm in a Parisian café. I'm drinking hot chocolate. It's cold outside, but I feel good here. It smells of toast and coffee.”

Conclusion: Activate your 5 senses to learn better

Learning a foreign language like French requires memory, concentration, and motivation. By activating several senses at the same time, you make your brain's work easier and transform your learning into a living experience.

The multisensory method is therefore:

• Scientific : It is based on neuroscience research.

  
  

• Effective : it improves memorization and pronunciation.

  
  

• Natural : It imitates the way children learn their mother tongue.

  
  

• Motivating : it makes learning more fun, more personal, more emotional.

In summary: why and how use the 5 senses?

SENSE	WHAT YOU ACTIVATE	WHAT YOU DO TO LEARN
Sight	Images, visual memory	Flashcards, videos, drawings
Hearing	Sounds, pronunciation	Podcasts, radio, movies, songs, repetitions
Touch	Body, letters, texture	Write in the air, handle objects
Movement	Actions, gestures	Mime, walk, move
Emotions	Motivation, memories	Describe real or imagined experiences

It's your turn! Choose one activity per day and try to combine at least three meanings for each new word or phrase. You'll see: your French will become more fluid, more lively... and more unforgettable .

Zou bisous, Your super teacher Ellie