Famous kinesthetic learners and their key to do great things for the world

I specifically wrote this artcile to be an easy read for a young learner to help them understand their strengths and abilities to learn anything. Even the things that they find boring, especially for the things they find boring. When children become more aware of their learning preferences and feel enabled to create or use tools to manage their learning, it builds immense confidence in them to master any subject matter with ease.

This awareness of HOW they choose to learn being separate than WHAT they are learning, being seperate than their ABILITY to learn is called Meta-cognition.

We want kids to practice thinking about thinking:
What is it that I am trying to learn?
For e.g lets say they are doing a word problem for Addition. They are not just doing Math… They are figuring out what parts of the sentence gives them the clue of what to add.
Is it really addition?
What are they asking for as an answer?
What is my clue for adding?
Where will I see this type of problem again?
How can I learn best?
Should I write, can I draw it out?
Does it help if I read it out loud?
Sing it maybe?
What comes to me naturally, so my brain will solve it!
If one way doesn’t work, I have other options to try.
If I can’t figure it out the first time, is there a different way I can do it?
Should I ask for help?
Can I do it with a friend?
Should I look at a problem we did in the class before?
I will take a 5 minute break and try it again!
“I am a curious learner and the outcome does not reflect on my ability to learn.“
This is the mindset we need to cultivate from a young age. Building meta-cognition skills in young children gives them a growth mindset to become life-long self-learners. This kind of thinking requires intention and practice until it becomes second nature.

How to use this article?

• Read it with them or better yet, have them read it to you. This will build their vocabulary and knowledge about themselves and others around them. Understanding others will build empathy in their interactions and towards themselves.
• Read a book about these personalities and reflect on what really inspired you about them.
• Create a fun game to use one ore more of the visual learning strategies.
• Play for a month and reflect upon how it improved your learning. Make a little booklet with answers to these questions –
  • 1. Did you learn more? How do you know?
  • 2. Did you learn faster? How did you measure that?
  • 3. Did you enjoy the process? Why or Why not?
  • 4. Did it help you learn something you did not like to learn?
  • 5. Share this with your classrom or your local library, teach other children how to learn.

Lets get started…

Have you ever wondered how playing with blocks and Legos could lead to a super cool career in science, technology, engineering, or math? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to explore the fascinating journey of a famous innovator whose love for hands-on learning shaped their path to success!

MICHAEL JORDAN: The Kinesthetic Learner on the Court

Michael Jordan, often regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, didn’t just rely on talent alone to achieve his success. He was a true kinesthetic learner, mastering the game through hands-on experience, practice, and relentless dedication.

Fun Fact #1: Learning Through Practice and Repetition

As a young basketball player, Michael Jordan spent countless hours honing his skills on the court. He didn’t just rely on natural talent – he understood the importance of practice and repetition in mastering his craft. Whether it was shooting free throws, dribbling drills, or perfecting his signature slam dunks, Jordan embraced hands-on learning to improve his game.

Fun Fact #2: Embracing Failure as a Learning Opportunity

One of the most remarkable aspects of Michael Jordan’s career was his ability to bounce back from failure. He faced setbacks and challenges along the way, but instead of giving up, he used these experiences as opportunities to learn and grow. Jordan once famously said, “I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Fun Fact #3: Mastering the Mental Game

In addition to his physical prowess, Michael Jordan was also a master of the mental game. He had an unparalleled competitive spirit and a relentless drive to win. Jordan’s ability to stay focused under pressure and visualize success on the court was a testament to his kinesthetic learning style, which allowed him to thrive in high-pressure situations.

Fun Fact #4: Inspiring Future Generations

Michael Jordan’s legacy extends far beyond the basketball court. His story serves as a source of inspiration for athletes, students, and aspiring leaders around the world. Through hard work, determination, and a commitment to continuous learning, Jordan proved that anything is possible – whether you’re shooting hoops or chasing your dreams.

Conclusion: The Kinesthetic Learner’s Champion

So, whether you’re dribbling a basketball, building block towers, or tackling a math problem, remember that the key to success lies in embracing your kinesthetic learning style and learning through hands-on experience. Just like Michael Jordan, you have the power to achieve greatness through practice, perseverance, and a passion for learning. So, lace up your sneakers, hit the court, and let your kinesthetic learning journey begin!
Sources: “Michael Jordan.” (2022, January 20). Biography.

THOMAS EDISON: The Inventor Extraordinaire

Have you ever heard of Thomas Edison? He’s the genius behind some of the most amazing inventions in history, like the light bulb, the phonograph, and the motion picture camera! But did you know that Thomas Edison’s journey to becoming an inventor started with a simple love for tinkering and building?

Fun Fact #1: A Kinesthetic Learner from the Start

Thomas Edison was a kinesthetic learner, which means he loved to learn by doing and using his hands. As a young boy, he spent hours experimenting with gadgets and gizmos in his basement workshop, learning about electricity, mechanics, and chemistry through hands-on exploration.

Fun Fact #2: From Block Towers to Big Dreams

Thomas Edison’s passion for hands-on learning laid the foundation for his future success as an inventor. According to historical records, he once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” This growth mindset and perseverance were essential traits that helped him overcome challenges and turn his dreams into reality.

Fun Fact #3: Building a Bright Future in STEM

Through years of trial and error, Thomas Edison transformed his love for tinkering and building into a thriving career in STEM. He founded the world’s first industrial research laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey, where he and his team developed groundbreaking inventions that revolutionized the world.

Fun Fact #4: Making History with Inventions

Thomas Edison’s inventions not only changed the course of history but also improved the lives of millions of people around the world. His light bulb illuminated homes and cities, his phonograph brought music to the masses, and his motion picture camera sparked the birth of the film industry.

Fun Fact #5: Inspiring Future Generations

Even though Thomas Edison lived over a century ago, his legacy continues to inspire future generations of innovators and inventors. His story reminds us that with curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to learn, anything is possible – whether you’re building block towers in your basement or dreaming of changing the world with your own inventions!

Conclusion: Dream Big and Keep Building!

So, young inventors, remember that your love for hands-on learning and exploration is the key to unlocking your full potential as future innovators. Whether you’re building block towers, experimenting with gadgets, or dreaming up big ideas, never stop believing in yourself and your ability to make a difference in the world. Who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll be the next Thomas Edison, lighting up the world with your own amazing inventions!
Sources:
Thomas Edison National Historical Park. (n.d.).
“Thomas Edison – Inventor.” (2022, January 20). Biography.

Do you know other kinesthetic superstars? What can you learn from them? How are you going to practice their tricks?