Unlocking the Potential of Kinesthetic Learners in the Classroom

Posted by Erica Warren on Apr 20, 2021

In every classroom, students learn in diverse ways. While some thrive by sitting quietly at their desks, others need movement to maintain attention and encode information effectively. Unfortunately, the needs of these active learners often go unaddressed. Behaviors such as tapping a pencil, fidgeting, leaning back in chairs, or frequently asking for bathroom or water breaks can sometimes be seen as disruptive by teachers and peers.

Who Are Kinesthetic Learners?

Kinesthetic learners excel when they can incorporate movement into their learning process. For them, sitting still and passively listening can feel impossible. So how can teachers embrace these learners' needs and help them succeed without disrupting the classroom environment?

Here are 10 practical strategies to support and empower kinesthetic learners:

1. Incorporate Movement into Lessons

Design your classroom activities to include movement. Set up learning stations where students can engage in short, interactive tasks and rotate between them. This approach keeps lessons dynamic and engaging.

2. Provide Strategic Seating

Allow kinesthetic learners to sit on the side or back of the classroom. This way, they can move or stand without distracting their peers.

3. Include Brain Breaks

Give your students a one-minute kinesthetic break during class. Activities like stretching, shaking out their bodies, or doing a few jumping jacks can re-energize their focus.

4. Permit Standing

Let students stand at their desks when needed. A simple change in posture can significantly improve concentration and comfort for kinesthetic learners.

5. Act It Out

Bring lessons to life with kinesthetic activities. Encourage students to act out key concepts or create plays that illustrate the material.

6. Teach Subtle Movements

Help students learn appropriate ways to move while sitting, such as quietly bouncing their legs under the table. This can help them release energy without being disruptive.

7. Preserve Recess

Never take away recess as a punishment. For kinesthetic learners, unstructured movement during recess is essential for their overall focus and well-being.

8. Create a Kinesthetic Corner

Designate a classroom space with tools like yoga mats, exercise balls, or wobble cushions. This area allows students to stretch, roll, or move without disrupting the class.

9. Use Interactive Props

Make learning hands-on! Write information to review on balloons or balls and have students pass them around as they engage with the material.

10. Invest in Flexible Seating

Consider options like Zenergy ball chairs, which let students bounce while staying seated. Place these seats along the sides of the room to minimize distractions for others.

Bonus Tip: Explore Multisensory Learning Resources

For more ideas, check out our Multisensory Learning Workshop, which includes modules specifically designed for kinesthetic learners. These strategies can transform your classroom into an inclusive and dynamic learning environment.

By embracing the unique needs of kinesthetic learners, teachers can create a classroom that honors all learning styles. These strategies not only support movement but also foster engagement, creativity, and success for every student.

Check out the Multisensory learning Workshop that includes kinesthetic learning modules.

Cheers, Dr. Erica Warren

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning. She is also the director of Learning to Learn and Learning Specialist Courses.

Blog: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news
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