Kinesthetic Learning Style -
Body / Kinesthetic Intelligence

Kinesthetic learners, or those with "Body / Kinesthetic Intelligence" according to Gardner's Model of Multiple Intelligences, are active learners. They "prefer to manipulate objects, do physical experiments, and learn by trying," (Mindtools, n.d.). "This intelligence is related to physical movement and the knowing/wisdom of the body. Including the brain's motor cortex, which controls bodily motion. Body/kinesthetic intelligence is awakened through physical movement such as in various sports, dance, and physical exercises as well as by the expression of oneself through the body, such as inventing, drama, body language, and creative/interpretive dance," (Learning Styles).

"Kinesthetic learners need movement and action," (Maal, 2004). They learn by doing, by engaging the muscles in their bodies, by processing movements in their motor cortex, and by remembering the physical movements required to complete a task. Kinesthetic learners benefit from hands-on, manipulative activities, plays, moving around while memorizing, through re-enactments, art, dance, and other active learning channels. Maal says, "The Kinesthetic modality is the farthest from language," and traditional teaching methods, therefore requires the most active, creative lesson planning.

If your child is a Body / Kinesthetic learner, he may have been seen as ADHD in a traditional school setting. The need to move, to actively learn, can be difficult to address in an environment where everyone is required to sit quietly in their desk to listen and learn. By homeschooling your Kinesthetic learner, you will face a challenge in providing means for active learning, but you will also be able to meet your child's unique learning needs on a daily basis. Teaching your child through active learning will enable him to learn more easily, and will help foster a sense of self-esteem as a capable child.