Kinaesthetic learning is learning through physical movement and hands-on experiences. In this article, we'll look at what kinaesthetic learning is, how to recognise if your child is a kinaesthetic learner, its benefits, compatibility with other learning styles, and strategies to support kinaesthetic learners.
What is Kinaesthetic Learning?
Kinaesthetic learning can be known as tactile learning. This learning style focuses on physical activity and hands-on experiences. Kinaesthetic learners thrive when they can actively engage their bodies and senses in the learning process, such as through movement, touch, and manipulation of objects. These learners often prefer activities like experiments, role-playing, and interactive games, over more passive forms of learning by rote.
How Do You Know if Your Child is a Kinaesthetic Learner?
Here are some ways your child might demonstrate they learn in a kinaesthetic way:
Preference for Hands-On Activities: Your child tends to excel in activities that involve physical movement and interaction, such as building models, conducting science experiments, or participating in sports.
Difficulty Sitting Still: If your child struggles to sit still for extended periods and often fidgets or moves around, it could be a sign that they learn best through physical engagement.
Expressive Gestures: Does your child use expressive gestures while speaking or explaining concepts? They may rely on body movements to reinforce their understanding.
Improved Memory Through Movement: Your child demonstrates better retention and understanding of information when it’s been presented through physical demonstrations or hands-on experiences.
Preference for Practical Applications: Your child is most engaged when they learn through real-world situations and practical experiences rather than learning things by rote.
Benefits of Kinaesthetic Learning
Embracing kinaesthetic learning offers numerous benefits for children and can enhance their overall educational experience. Some key advantages include:
Kinaesthetic learning actively engages multiple senses, leading to improved retention and understanding of concepts.
Physical movement helps children stay focused and engaged in learning activities, reducing boredom and restlessness.
Hands-on activities promote the development of fine and gross motor skills, contributing to physical dexterity and coordination.
Kinaesthetic learning encourages creativity and innovation through experimentation, exploration, and problem-solving.
Examples of Kinaesthetic Learning
Here are some examples of great kinaesthetic learning:
Science Experiments: Conducting experiments and demonstrations involving mixing substances, observing reactions, or building simple machines.
Role-Playing: Acting out historical events, literary scenes, or scientific processes to deepen understanding and empathy
Outdoor Exploration: Engaging in nature walks, scavenger hunts, or gardening projects to explore the natural world and learn about ecosystems.
Art and Craft Activities: Creating artwork, sculptures, or crafts using various materials to express creativity and develop fine motor skills.
Sports and Physical Education: Participating in sports, dance, or yoga classes to promote physical fitness and coordination while learning teamwork and sportsmanship.
What other learning styles work well for kinaesthetic learners?
While kinaesthetic learning is distinct, it can complement and overlap with other learning styles, such as visual and auditory learning:
Visual learning aids such as diagrams, charts, or videos, can help reinforce learning and provide additional understanding to hands-on activities.
Auditory learning can be incorporated into more hands-on activities. Whilst the child is engaged physically, they may be more engaged in listening to information alongside the activity.
How to Get Extra Support if Your Child is a Kinaesthetic Learner?
The first place to start is to collaborate with teachers to incorporate hands-on activities and experiential learning opportunities into your child's curriculum.
Make sure there is plenty of access to educational toys, building blocks, puzzles, and other manipulatives that encourage tactile exploration and problem-solving and encourage short breaks for physical movement or sensory activities to help them refocus and recharge during study sessions.
Kinaesthetic learners are our problem solvers of the future, so helping them learn in this way will encourage them to enjoy their time at school and embrace a future of creativity and discovery.
Examples from our experts
At Tutorful our tutors are experienced educators with years of experience behind them. They will quickly understand the best way for your child to engage with the subject and help them succeed where they have previously struggled.
