13 Learning Tips and Study Strategies for Kinesthetic Learners

This is the third and final installment of learning tips and and study strategies for the three major learning styles! (Auditory, visual, and kinesthetic).

Today's topic is kinesthetic! (The hard to spell one that needs to touch everything... and still shows up underlined in red even though I triple checked that I spelled it correctly.) This is the 'rarest' form of learner, but I think everyone will be able to utilize some of these tips -- because nobody is just one type of learner.

1. Keep all verbal discourse as short as possible

No, they don't have long attention spans for talking. Its not because they have ADHD, its because kinesthetic learners need to be moving and doing. Stay short and to the point.

2. Make sure they are participating in discussions

When discussions are required, make sure that they are participating! Else, there is a big chance they will completely lose focus. These learners do best when they are directly involved -- no matter what the activity entails.

3. Utilize every sense when possible

Kinesthetic learners do best when they utilize all of their senses, not just one. So, whenever possible try to involve the hearing, taste, touch, sight, and feeling.

4. Make everything "hands on"

"Hands on" activities are the kinesthetic learner's best friend. When possible directly involve them with physical tasks, manipulations, imagery, and any other hands on participation -- it will boost their motivation, memory, and interest.

5. He isn't disinterested, hes not involved!

Don't mistake a lack of involvement for disinterest. While they may have short attention spans for methods commonly used in traditional education, it doesn't mean that he or she is disinterested. Most likely, the homeschool teacher (or public school teacher) just hasn't been able to involve them enough.

6. Organize information by the physical steps taken

There are many ways to organize the steps of a process, event, or task. The best way to structure this information for a kinesthetic learner is by describing everything in the order of steps physically needed to complete it. It may seem weird for you, but it will definitely help them remember.

7. Seek out curriculum that uses labs, examples, and trips

To provide the best learning environment for a kinesthetic learner, the curriculum will involve as many real life examples as possible. There should also be ample opportunities for field trips and laboratory experiments.

8. Move problem solving from a cognitive function to a physical action

Most people think of solving problems as primarily cognitive functions. However, the kinesthetic learner needs to solve this problem by taking some physical action.

9. If the directions are lengthy, they will skip ahead and start

So, make sure you screen any directions ahead of time! Because if they are long and boring, your kinesthetic learner will most likely skim them and skip ahead into action. This, of course, is not always the best idea.

10. Try out audio-books and pre-recorded reading materials

Sometimes kinesthetic learners do much better listening than reading. This isn't always the case, but its definitely worth giving it a shot. I think most kinesthetic learners will last a lot longer listening to an audio book than reading one. This also allows them to move freely about -- instead of fidgeting in place with their book.

11. Test preparation? Play it out

That's right! When preparing for a test, play act and model the test out. Make it into a game that requires involvement. This is the best type of practice. Role play the exam situation.

12. Take breaks for physical activities

Not all kinesthetic learners have an infinite amount of energy and need to take push-up breaks. Nevertheless, they all need breaks that allow physical movement. This is especially important when the activity is reading or writing -- something that involves a lot of still concentration. I would advise that you take regular breaks. It will actually increase your productivity.

13. Practice it, over and over

The final test prep tip -- when a kinesthetic learner needs to study for a test, practice, practice, practice. They will benefit from writing practice answers and practice essays. Don't let them take a test with no physical experience of doing it ahead of time.