All children have different learning styles. Determining a child’s learning style is key to ensuring he or she gets the most out of school lessons, starting with preschool and progressing to kindergarten and beyond. Many children are kinesthetic learners, which means a child learns best when movement and motion are involved in their lessons. This guide can help you understand this learning style. 

How Can You Tell If Your Child Is a Kinesthetic Learner?

The following signs may indicate that your child needs more movement-based stimulation when learning:

• Your child excels at physical pursuits, such as dancing or swimming, and has excellent hand-eye coordination. 
• Your child can’t seem to sit still without wiggling, bouncing legs, or tapping feet. 
• Your child gets distracted easily, especially in environments with a lot of mental stimulation.
• Your child is challenged by step-based or procedural lessons.
• Your child becomes bored or loses interest in lessons quickly. 

Some children can also be categorized as tactile learners. These are kids who absorb information best when they’re provided hands-on lessons or projects, such as making art or participating in sketches with classmates. 

How Can You Incorporate It Into Your Child’s Lesson Plans?

Kinesthetic learners are best served by lessons that are dynamic as opposed to static. This can take on many different forms depending on the types of lessons being provided. For instance, if a child has problems paying attention, changing their physical learning environment (such as by moving a lesson outside to a playground) is often beneficial. Incorporating visuals, such as objects or images, to illustrate lessons is also helpful to many kinesthetic learners. For tactile learners, providing objects they can touch or handle increases their ability to absorb and retain information. 

When kids have problems sitting still during class, instructors are encouraged to cooperate instead of reprimanding the child. Children should be allowed to stand up from their desks, or even walk around the classroom, as long as they’re engaged and not interrupting other children’s lessons. Playing movement games throughout the day can also keep kids engaged. 

What Are the Benefits of This Learning Style? 

When kinesthetic and tactile learners are held back from their preferred learning style, academic problems are sure to follow. Kids who would have otherwise had a successful school career may be labeled with behavioral issues or have problems keeping up with classmates because they’re not reaching their full potential. By providing kids with a suitable learning style, you're also providing them with greater opportunities now and in the future.

In Lincoln, NE, Merry Manor School Of Childhood provides a wide range of after-school programs for kids of all ages. Their Creative Curriculum preschool programs aim to get children using their critical thinking and creativity, while also increasing their self-confidence and self-esteem. Learn more about these preschool programs by visiting the website. You can also call (402) 466-2215 for more information on enrolling your child.