Energetic. Fidgety. Hands-on. Distracted. Active.
If you hear or use these words to describe your child, you may have a kinesthetic, or tactile learner. A kinesthetic learner typically learns best (not only!) by doing. These are the children who "just can't sit still." You will often find them pacing, bouncing, tapping, or clicking. Because their learning style incorporates whole body movements, they often seem to be in perpetual motion.

(You may also hear kinesthetic learners referred to as "tactile learners." While the terms are often used interchangeably, tactile learners are a type of kinesthetic learner. Tactile learners tend to be more hands-on, learning primarily through the sense of touch and fine motor skills. While not exactly the same, they do have similar preferences, and many of the characteristics, strengths, and strategies will apply to both types of learners.)

Characteristics of the Kinesthetic Learner

While these tendencies and characteristics may be typical of kinesthetic learners, this is not an exhaustive description.

Generally, kinesthetic learners:

• are concrete thinkers.
• tend to focus on what is real.
• learn best by doing.
• benefit from trial-and-error.
• value their own experiences.
• often have a natural athletic ability.
• have a hard time sitting still.
• are easily bored, distracted, or restless.
• are active learners, not passive observers.
• often talk with their hands.
• enjoy field trips, labs, or hands-on exhibits.

Struggles and Strategies for the Kinesthetic Learner

Kinesthetic learners may not fit the mold of the ideal student. They are active learners. They need to move and use all of their senses in the learning process. But most educational strategies, methodologies, and contexts involve passive learning (watching or listening), which can be a struggle for these active learners. This is not an excuse for kinesthetic learners to avoid formal or traditional methods of education. There will be situations when they will need to know how to sit quietly and pay attention (for example: church services, business meetings, training seminars).

Sometimes their need for movement or physical stimuli can be viewed negatively. It may look like boredom, restlessness, or a lack of self-control. But as their mom and their teacher, we have a unique opportunity to encourage our kinesthetic learners to adapt to situations where they may struggle and to incorporate strategies and methods that will allow them to learn successfully.

Wiggle Worms: Sitting still is difficult for a kinesthetic learner. But knowing this can be half the battle. No, you do not want to allow them to distract your other children. But homeschooling can also give your kinesthetic learner the freedom to move around. Allow your kinesthetic learner to stand, sit on the floor, or change positions during his lesson. Allow them to use a swivel chair, so they can twist, turn, and spin as they study. Try putting a resistance band (or tying a length of stretchy fabric) around the front legs of a chair to allow them to move or bounce their feet, without distracting others. Older students may benefit from pacing, bouncing a tennis ball, jumping rope, or shooting baskets while studying or reviewing material for an upcoming test. Your more tactile learners may prefer sketching or doodling during a lesson rather than traditional or detailed note-taking. Smaller movements like playing with Silly Putty, play dough, fidget spinners, or squishy (stress-relieving) toys may also help a tactile learner stay focused.

Sensory Snacks: Although I make sure that my kids have a good breakfast before we start our school day, someone usually wants a snack only a few lessons in. But, often, those snacks can make or break the rest of our day. If your kids are feeling a little sluggish, try some alerting foods (chewy, sour, spicy, crunchy, or cold) to help wake up their senses. Some of our favorites are dried fruit, fruit leather, granola bars, cheese, gummies, Greek yogurt, smoothies, popsicles, pretzels, crackers, carrots, apples, or pita chips. On the other hand, if everyone is a little too energetic, calming foods (sweet, creamy, or warm) may help them to settle down. Try things like fruit (especially berries, melons, or grapes), yogurt, peanut butter (with apple slices or celery sticks), hummus, smoothies, or a mug of hot chocolate or a favorite tea. Or try a combination! Offering an intentional variety of healthy snacks may give all of your students (not just your kinesthetic learners) a little sensory boost throughout the day.

All Work and No Play: For a kinesthetic learner, an all-work mentality can make the school day very dull. Kinesthetic learners love fun, creative, and varied lessons. If you notice your kinesthetic learner becoming bored or distracted, consider adding a spontaneous jump on the trampoline, some stretches, or a few quick laps around the backyard to your lesson plans. Because they thrive on active, participatory learning, role-playing scenarios, where they can act out the concepts they have just learned, can be especially helpful. Help them retain content by turning review lessons into game time! Play memory/matching games with (visual) flashcards, review vocabulary lessons with a crossword puzzle, teach a geometry lesson in the driveway with a basketball, or review math facts with some sidewalk chalk and a game of hopscotch.

Get Out: Who doesn't love a good field trip?! But, for kinesthetic learners, getting out of their typical learning environment and into the "real world" is an important part of their education. Plan field trips to reinforce lessons and concepts (try science, history, or children's museums with hands-on activities and exhibits). Don't skip the science labs! Join a co-op or turn your kitchen into a chemistry lab to let your kinesthetic learners experiment with theoretical concepts and experience tangible results. Kinesthetic learners are the doers. They are concrete thinkers and practical problem-solvers. Try adding a few hands-on activities to your homeschool days! They can make learning (and teaching) more fun for everyone!

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