Kinesthetic Learners and Educational Toys
Bodies that just have to move a lot are probably those that are kinesthetic learners. They seem to be fairly active and always be moving small or large muscles while learning. This type of learner will learn more easily and better concentrate if he/she is learning something "hands-on" or doing some task to learn. This might be playing with blocks, cars, doing craftwork or just doing some physical task. When selecting toys for your child that you know is more of a kinesthetic learner, it will likely help to select more educational toys that are designed for this learning style. Many manufacturers will list a toy as being more of one style then the other. Toys that are designed more for the other styles should still be purchased in order to develop the other styles of learning.
It may be difficult many times to understand if your child gives more emphasis to a kinesthetic learning style or not. You can see this type of style to be inherent in your child by observing her/his characteristics and behavior. The items that follow may give a good indication of a child with stronger kinesthetic processing skills:
- The "hyperactive" label may be given to a child with kinesthetic learning tendencies.
- These learners like to move, wiggle, tap their feet, twitch, move their legs and more sitting or attempting to stay still.
- These learners will likely be good actors, dancers, or athletes.
- Good coordination, body movement and timing should be obvious in those that have this learning style.
- This type will do tasks well that involve hand work including art, sculpture, home repair work, and using hand tools.
- These learners may often speak slower.
Distinct behaviors of this type of learning may include:
- Reads while pointing
- Makes many gestures
- Will respond physically
- Responds more to a physical reward
- Stand close and tends to be more "touchy feely"
- Will be more physically oriented
- Might memorize steps by walking through a task
Below is a link that has toys of this learning style.