Kinesthetic Learner Signs and Strategies to Help at Home or School

Kinesthetic learner signs and strategies for how to help this learning style thrive.

We all have different learning styles. There are five common categorizations for the way we learn: hands-on, visual, auditory, read/write and kinesthetic.

Kinesthetic learners process information best while engaging in physical activities. Instead of relying on visual or auditory learning, they prefer whole-body movement and hands-on experiences. New knowledge or understanding is achieved through physical movement.

Kinesthetic Learner Characteristics

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How to identify a kinesthetic learner?

They love to move. Kinesthetic learners like to bounce, kick, spin, tap and are constantly in motion.
Have great physical memory and easily perform the same task twice.
They are often good at sports.
Have great coordination and timing.
Have trouble sitting still.
Can be easily distracted and overwhelmed.

Kinesthetic Learning Strategies

Adapting to a traditional learning environment can be difficult for kinesthetic learners. Often they are expected to sit still, focus and listen for hours. Many are labelled as ADD or ADHD without a clear understanding that they thrive best using a different approach.

Ways to Help Kinesthetic Learners Succeed

Give them breaks. Make time for physical activity to break up the day and allow them a chance to move and use their energy.
Let them fidget. A fidget spinner or sensory toy can provide the physical/tactile experience they need.
Encourage drawing or doodling during lessons.
Walk and talk. Pairing a physical activity with learning will help build skill memories.
Motivate with rewards and avoid punishment. Avoid criticism and focus on giving positive feedback frequently.
Make it a game. Turn lessons into a game using movement. Hopscotch, Tic-Tac-Toe, Twister, Jeopardy or Nerf basketball for example.