What is a Kinesthetic Learner
Kinesthetic learning is one of the four learning styles. We will be breaking down all the learning styles in additional blogs. Most people have more than one learning style they utilize. Yet they seem to fall back on the most dominant learning style when learning new things.
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What is Kinesthetic Learning?
The kinesthetic learner learns best when engaged in the learning process. They have energy and seem like they always have to be moving. Traditional learning can be hard if they are not allowed to move. Their brain can be engaged in the classroom but their bodies are not. This makes it a little more difficult for them to process information. They need to be moving their feet, hands, legs, or need to be up moving around.
Strengths of a Kinesthetic Learner
The Kinesthetic has many strengths. They have great hand-eye coordination. They usually have quick reactions. They have excellent motor memory too. If a process is explained the kinesthetic learner may not understand until they actually are participating in the process.
This learner is usually good at sports. Sports can be a great way to release some of the energy that these high energy individuals have. Because they have such high energy, they can often be misdiagnosed with ADHD.
Kinesthetic learners may also be interested in the performing arts and drama. This gives them the opportunity to move and perform at the same time. A great way, for them to shine.
They may also need to take frequent breaks to move around. They are usually strong in math and science and work better in small groups than independently.
Strategies for the Kinesthetic Learner
Some strategies for this type of learner may include standing rather than sitting all the time. Standing helps keep the body engaged and connected to what is being learned. It helps the individual retain what is being taught. Eventually investing in a standing desk may help with focusing for longer periods of time.
While learning, studying or reading get up and move in periodically. If you find you’re this type of learner, ask your friend or family member to quiz you while bouncing a ball or jumping on the trampoline. By pairing studying and activities, this will help with energy levels and will increase learning.
Learn to utilize small movements. This type of learner may be told to sit still. Moving the legs or feet may help this learner focus without causing interruptions to the learning process. This way they will still be able to keep focused.
When reading and taking notes, highlighting, drawing charts, graphs and even doodling can help. Simple movement will help them focus.
When learning new concepts, they need to find hands-on activities that will help them learn.
Kinesthetic learners are near and dear to my heart. My Granddaughter Willa is a Kinesthetic Learner. She loves to do things by herself and is very independent. She moves constantly and even for me can be frustrating to teach at times. Her parents have opted to put her in a Montessori school and I think they made the right choice for her.
With that in mind when she is home, we do a lot of FUN learning projects that allow her to move and be creative. If you have one of these learners get creative too. Do a lot of crafts, science experiments, and hands-on activities. Don’t expect these learners to sit still for long periods of time.
When looking for a preschool or elementary school look at the learning style. Most traditional schools are set up for Visual and Audio learners keep this in mind. We all want our loved ones to be happy and successful.
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