Kinesthetic learners, or people with the bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, have the capacity to use their whole bodies to express themselves. They are interested in learning through creative movement and often do well when they can move and are not required to stand still. Kinesthetic learners may prefer to create or solve problems by moving their bodies. Many children with strong kinesthetic intelligence learn by moving. Children who prefer the kinesthetic learning style need to move in order to appropriately interpret their sensory stimuli. Yet, most schools in the United States continue to require children to be seated throughout the school day.
The kinesthetic learning style is often the most neglected learning style in the classroom. In many classrooms, movement is not encouraged and often results in punitive treatment. This can have a negative impact on kinesthetic learners. Experts understand that humans must move in order to learn. This is especially true for kinesthetic learners. For kinesthetic learners, movementis learning.
Kinesthetic Learners
Adapted from “Helping Kinesthetic Learners Succeed”
- Solve problems by physically working through them.
- Move around a lot.
- Touch people they are talking to.
- Tap their pencils or feet while doing schoolwork.
- Enjoy physical activities.
- Take frequent breaks when studying.
- Express their feelings physically (hugging, hitting, etc.).
- Move their hands when they talk.
- Excel in athletics and the performing arts.
- Have difficulty sitting still for extended periods of time.
- Enjoy touching things.
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