All children learn in different ways. Some are more visual learners while others tend to be more auditory. Some kids need to use their entire body to learn.
So, how do we teach to different learners? We use what is called Multisensory instruction. Multisensory instruction means that the kids have to see it (visual), hear it (auditory), touch it (tactile), and do it (kinesthetic).
Using all of the child’s senses when teaching, activates the different parts of the brain. This helps the information that they are learning “stick.” In today’s blog, I am going to focus on the Kinesthetic Learner.
Who is the Kinesthetic Learner?
This is the child that needs to move! This child wiggles, kicks their legs, bounces a lot, and just can’t sit still.
These kids learn by using their bodies and their kinesthetic learning modalities to help get information to their brains. They learn as they do.
Kinesthetic learners learn best through the movement of their large or gross motor muscles. These kids need to be involved with making projects, role-playing, learning while standing or moving and really engaging in an activity.
What are some activities for the Kinesthetic Learner?
Here are a few activities that you can try out with your kiddos. You can use the basic activities and just switch the teaching concept. Click on the toggles below:
Jumping Jack Alphabet
Have your child recite the alphabet from A to Z while at the same time doing a jumping jack. A jumping jack is a calisthenic jump done from a standing position with legs together and arms at the sides to a position with the legs apart and the arms over the head.
Fly Swatter Syllables
Say a word and have your child swat with the fly swatter on a table top or on the floor for each syllable in the word.
Take a Walk
Take a break from the classroom or home environment and go outside and read the world. There are letters, words and signs everywhere. You can even head to the grocery store and read the entire store!
Find the Object
Write all the color words on a different flash card. Show your child a card and then have them go and find an object with that color on it.
Basketball Shot
Write vocabulary words on flashcards. Show your child a word at a time and then have them give you the word in a sentence. If correct – The kids can shoot a basket.
Sidewalk Chalk
Using sidewalk chalk, have your child write out each of their spelling words.
Orton-Gillingham Sky Writing
Have your child write a letter in the air and name the letter at the exact same time he or she is writing it. They then underline the letter in the air and say the letter’s sound.
If you want to some really fun and active activities and games that you can use with any concept that you are teaching, check out:
Orto-Gillingham Activity: Welded Sounds Building Blocks
BINGO (with free download)
Multisensory Materials for the Kinesthetic Learner
Some kids might learn to spell if they are given a chance to learn writing with a real tactile element.
For example, writing with a squeeze-style mustard bottle, shaving cream, hair gel, or writing with your finger using trays of colored sand or salt, all help the kinesthetic learner.
Other options are to build words with wooden letters, blocks or puzzle pieces. Using music or dance can also be used to stimulate learning.
Here are a few activities for you that include tactile and movement in learning:
The kinesthetic learner needs some help and guidance finding tricks and techniques that make learning work in their favor. These kids just need more opportunities to get up and use some motion and use their bodies to remember things.
I Have a Resource For You!
If you enjoyed reading this post you might also enjoy reading:
Please don’t leave without checking out the PRIDE Reading Program. The PRIDE Reading Program is an Orton-Gillingham curriculum that is used by teachers, tutors, and homeschooling parents worldwide with great success!
