Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

Mike:
This week, we’ve discussed visual and auditory learners. Today, I’d like to talk about the kinesthetic learner—the child who learns best through movement or touch. You’ll recognize him because he has difficulty sitting still. And when he says, “Let me see!” he really means, “Can I touch that?”

Imagine how frustrating the classroom experience can be for this child! Information presented in traditional formats—through workbooks or lectures—just doesn’t stick in his mind. But if he plays a game, acts a story, or uses math manipulatives, he can achieve success in learning. In planning lessons for your kinesthetic learner, you’ll want to deemphasize workbooks and lectures in favor of active learning. Get ready for some fun-filled schooldays! Provide your squirmy student with refrigerator magnets in the shapes of numbers and letters. If you’re studying history, have him build a model ship or construct a building out of blocks. Give him plenty of opportunities to dance, exercise, and act out stories. When it’s time to sit still, allow your child to sip on water or quietly work on a puzzle.

Your kinesthetic learner can study for tests by jumping rope while reviewing terms. Be sure and let him take breaks throughout the school day to run errands or take the dog for a walk. Movement and hands-on activities will make learning come alive for him.

And until next time, I’m Mike Smith.