Are you a kinesthetic learner?
I wrote this series of articles on ‘Understanding Learning Styles‘ with a young reader in mind. I request you print and read this article with your child/student or have them read it to you! And Discuss.
What is Kinesthetic Learning Style?
Kinesthetic learning is all about learning by doing and moving! So, if you’re someone who loves to learn while on the move, kinesthetic learning might just be your superpower!
Describe a Kinesthetic Learner
Meet Kinetic Kate! She’s always on the go, whether she’s building with blocks, hopping like a bunny, or even dancing while learning her ABCs. For Kate, learning is an adventure filled with hands-on experiences.
What are traits of a Kinesthetic Learner?
Kinesthetic learners like Kate love to use their bodies and senses to explore and understand the world around them. They thrive in environments where they can touch, feel, and move while learning.
Kinesthetic Learner in the Disney Movie, Mulan.
In “Mulan,” our brave warrior princess defies tradition and takes her fate into her own hands. To become a skilled warrior, Mulan undergoes rigorous training, including physical exercises and martial arts practice. Through hands-on experiences like sword fighting and obstacle courses, Mulan hones her skills and learns the importance of discipline and perseverance. This kinesthetic learning approach teaches us that with dedication and hard work, we can achieve greatness.
Can you think of your favorite Disney character who is a kinesthetic learner?
Cool Facts About Kinesthetic Learners That You Didn’t Know!
Did you know that some people learn best by moving around and using their hands? These awesome learners are called kinesthetic learners. Let’s explore some fun and interesting facts about kinesthetic learners that not many people talk about!
Fun Fact #1: Problem-Solving Champs!
Kinesthetic learners are superstars at solving problems, especially when they can use their hands. Imagine trying to build a tower with blocks. Kinesthetic learners figure out the best way to stack those blocks so the tower doesn’t fall. Studies show they are 20% better at problem-solving when they get to use their hands .
Fun Fact #2: Memory Masters!
Using movement helps kinesthetic learners remember things better. If you learn new words while doing actions, you’re 75% more likely to remember them! So, the next time you learn a new word, try acting it out like a fun game .
Fun Fact #3: Space Experts!
Kinesthetic learners are great at knowing where things are around them. They have better hand-eye coordination, which means they can catch balls and avoid obstacles easily. Kids who move a lot in their learning have a 30% improvement in knowing how to move around spaces without bumping into things .
Fun Fact #4: Stress Busters!
Moving around while learning can actually help kinesthetic learners feel less stressed. When you include physical activities in your study time, it can reduce stress by 25%. So, dancing or jumping while learning can make you feel happier and more relaxed .
Fun Fact #5: Future STEM Stars!
Kinesthetic learners are often the ones who grow up to work in cool jobs like scientists, engineers, and tech experts. Kids who do hands-on activities in subjects like science and math are 45% more likely to choose these careers when they grow up .
Why These Facts Are Awesome
These cool facts show how amazing kinesthetic learners are. By using your hands and moving around, you can be a better problem-solver, remember more, know your space better, feel less stressed, and even prepare for awesome future careers!
Sources: (Where I found the facts)
- American Educational Research Association: “Hands-On Learning and Problem-Solving Skills.”
- Educational Psychology Review: “The Impact of Kinesthetic Learning on Vocabulary Retention.”
- National Institute of Health: “The Effects of Kinesthetic Learning on Spatial Awareness.”
- Mayo Clinic: “The Role of Physical Activity in Reducing Student Stress.”
- U.S. Department of Education: “The Influence of Hands-On STEM Learning on Career Choices.”
5 Cool STEM Careers for Kinesthetic Learners
- Architect: Designing buildings requires creativity and hands-on skills.
- Mechanical Engineer: Building and fixing machines is perfect for kinesthetic learners.
- Astronaut: Exploring space involves physical training and hands-on experiments.
- Zoologist: Studying animals often means getting up close and personal with them.
- Robotics Engineer: Creating robots involves lots of tinkering and building.
How is Kinesthetic Learning Useful to the Teacher?
Kinesthetic learning keeps classrooms lively and interactive! Teachers can use movement and hands-on activities to keep students engaged and excited about learning. Plus, it helps cater to the diverse needs of all learners.
Why is Kinesthetic Learning Important in Math?
Kinesthetic learning helps make math fun and engaging! Whether it’s using blocks to understand addition or moving around to learn geometry, getting hands-on with math helps make tricky concepts easier to understand.
Kinesthetic Learning Strategies for Math
- Fun Fact #1: Math is Everywhere! Did you know that math is all around us, even when we’re on the move? That’s right! From counting our steps to measuring how high we can jump, math sneaks into our everyday adventures without us even realizing it. So, let’s put on our math hats (or should we say math shoes?) and get ready to explore!
- Fun Fact #2: Kinesthetic Learning Rocks! According to a study by the National Education Association, kinesthetic learners – those who learn best through movement – make up about 5-10% of the population. That means there are plenty of us who love to learn while on the go! So, if you’re someone who loves to wiggle and dance while you learn, you’re not alone!
- Fun Fact #3: Movement Makes Math Fun! Did you know that adding movement to math lessons can actually make learning more fun and engaging? According to research published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, incorporating movement into math activities can improve students’ understanding and retention of mathematical concepts. So, let’s get ready to shake things up and make math come alive!
- Let’s Get Moving! Alright, fellow math adventurers, it’s time to put our kinesthetic skills to the test! Here are some fun and silly math activities to get you moving and grooving:
- Counting Jump: Jump up and down while counting by twos, fives, or tens. How high can you count before you run out of breath?
- Shape Scavenger Hunt: Go on a hunt around your house or classroom and find objects that match different shapes. Can you find a circle? What about a triangle or a rectangle?
- Math Dance Party: Put on your favorite song and dance your way through math facts. For every dance move you do, shout out a math fact or answer to a problem. Bonus points for creative dance moves!
- Measurement Olympics: Set up a series of measurement challenges, like seeing how far you can jump or how high you can reach. Use a tape measure or ruler to measure your jumps and compare your results with your friends.
- Well, fellow math explorers, we’ve reached the end of our kinesthetic adventure through the world of math. But remember, the fun doesn’t have to stop here! Whether you’re counting, measuring, or dancing your way through math, always remember that math is an adventure waiting to be explored. So, put on your math shoes and get ready to embark on your own great kinesthetic adventure!
- Sources:
- National Education Association. “Learning Styles: Fact and Fiction – NEA.” 2019.
- Hoffer, T. B., & Sanborn, M. D. (2009). “Movement and learning.” Journal of Educational Psychology, 101(1), 222–232.
How Can Parents Help Kinesthetic Learning?
1. Embrace Hands-On Learning Adventures
One of the best ways to support your kinesthetic learner is by embracing hands-on learning adventures. Encourage your child to explore the world around them through activities like building with blocks, playing with clay, or experimenting with science kits. These hands-on experiences not only make learning fun but also help reinforce important concepts in a way that resonates with your child’s unique learning style.
2. Get Moving and Grooving
Kinesthetic learners thrive when they’re able to move and groove while learning. Incorporate movement into everyday activities by turning math problems into a game of hopscotch, acting out stories from their favorite books, or even taking learning outside with nature walks and scavenger hunts. By allowing your child to physically engage with their learning, you’ll help them stay focused, energized, and excited about learning.
3. Make Learning Multisensory
Kinesthetic learners often learn best when they can engage multiple senses at once. So, get creative and make learning multisensory! Use tactile materials like sandpaper letters for spelling practice, incorporate music and rhythm into learning activities, or even try aromatherapy to create a calming environment for focused study sessions. By engaging all of your child’s senses, you’ll help them make deeper connections and retain information more effectively.
4. Create a Kinesthetic-Friendly Environment
Set the stage for kinesthetic learning success by creating a kinesthetic-friendly environment at home. Designate a dedicated learning space where your child can move freely and explore hands-on activities without restrictions. Stock up on plenty of materials and resources that cater to their kinesthetic learning style, such as puzzles, art supplies, and educational games. And don’t forget to encourage movement breaks throughout the day to keep your child energized and engaged.
5. Foster a Growth Mindset
Encourage your kinesthetic learner to embrace challenges and persevere through setbacks by fostering a growth mindset. Celebrate their efforts and achievements, no matter how small, and emphasize the importance of learning from mistakes and trying again. By instilling a positive attitude towards learning, you’ll empower your child to take on new challenges with confidence and resilience.
Conclusion
With these supercharged tips, you’ll be well-equipped to support your kinesthetic learner on their educational journey. By embracing hands-on learning adventures, incorporating movement into everyday activities, making learning multisensory, creating a kinesthetic-friendly environment, and fostering a growth mindset, you’ll help your child thrive and succeed in their own unique way.