What Is a Kinesthetic Learner?

Diving into the world of learning styles can feel like decoding a complex puzzle, particularly when your child deviates from the conventional path. Welcome to the fascinating realm of kinesthetic learning! In this blog, we’ll journey through what it means to be a kinesthetic learner, shedding light on their characteristics, the significance of recognizing their unique needs, and providing practical tips to help your kinesthetic child excel both inside and outside the classroom.

What Is a Kinesthetic Learner? Understanding the Basics

A kinesthetic learner is someone who learns best by doing things, using their hands, and moving around. These kids understand the world by touching, moving, and being active. Traditional classrooms might only sometimes fit their needs, but there are many ways to support and grow their learning style.

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Common Traits of Kinesthetic Learners

Here are some typical characteristics of kinesthetic learners:

• Hard time sitting still for long periods
• Likes hands-on activities and experiments
• Good body awareness and coordination
• Enjoys physical activities and sports
• Prefers learning by doing instead of listening or reading

Recognizing these traits in your child can help you better understand their needs and provide the right support for their learning style.

The Importance of Recognizing and Helping Kinesthetic Learners

For kids with thinking and learning differences, it’s important to know their unique learning styles and give the right support. When kinesthetic learners can do activities that match their strengths, they enjoy learning more, remember information better, and have a positive attitude about school. By understanding what a kinesthetic learner is and how they learn best, you can make learning better for your child.

Read More: Kinesthetic Learning Examples

Ways to Support Kinesthetic Learners

Here are some tips to help your kinesthetic learner:

1. Let them move: Let your child move while they learn, like walking while saying multiplication tables or acting out a story they’re reading.
2. Give hands-on experiences: Find chances for your child to do hands-on activities, like building models, doing experiments, or doing art projects.
3. Break tasks into smaller steps: Help your child split big tasks into smaller, easier steps, and let them move through each step.
4. Use real-life examples: Connect ideas to real-life situations, so your child can see how what they’re learning is useful.
5. Use technology: Use tools like Goally’s learning tablet. It has interactive apps made for kids with thinking and learning differences, to help your child’s kinesthetic learning style.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a supportive environment that caters to your child’s unique learning needs and helps them thrive.

Helping Your Kinesthetic Learner Do Well in a Regular Classroom

Regular classrooms might not always be perfect for kinesthetic learners, but you can use these strategies to help your child do well:

• Talk to your child’s teacher about their learning style and ask about possible changes, like more breaks or chances for hands-on learning.
• Encourage your child to join after-school activities that match their interests and strengths, like sports, dance, or robotics clubs.
• Help your child make good study habits that include movement and hands-on activities, like using flashcards while jumping on a trampoline or making physical models of ideas.

Working closely with your child’s teacher and providing the right resources, such as Goally’s learning tablet, can make a significant difference in their academic success.

Celebrating the Power of Kinesthetic Learning

Knowing what a kinesthetic learner is and how to help their learning style can make a big difference for your child. By making the right changes, you can help your neurodivergent kids do well in school and in life. Remember, every child is special, and by helping their individual learning styles, you’re setting them up for a successful future. Embrace your child’s unique learning style and provide them with the tools and support they need to thrive. With the right approach, your kinesthetic learner can achieve great things both in and out of the classroom.

FAQs About Kinesthetic Learners

What is a kinesthetic learner?
A kinesthetic learner is a type of learner who learns best through physical activities, hands-on tasks, and moving around.

How can I identify a kinesthetic learner?
A kinesthetic learner often exhibits behaviors such as restlessness when sitting, a preference for hands-on exploration, and a knack for physical activities or sports.

What are some effective learning strategies for kinesthetic learners?
Strategies for kinesthetic learners include incorporating movement into study time, using physical objects for learning, and taking frequent short breaks during tasks.

How can teachers cater to kinesthetic learners?
Teachers can support kinesthetic learners by providing active learning activities, using props or models in teaching, and allowing movement during class.

Can kinesthetic learning be beneficial to non-kinesthetic learners?
Yes, kinesthetic learning strategies, like hands-on activities and movement, can enhance understanding and retention for all types of learners.

This post was originally published on April 30, 2023. It was updated on June 26, 2023.