Does your child learn best by moving, touching, or physically engaging with their surroundings? If so, welcome to the world of kinesthetic/tactile learners!
I remember when I first started homeschooling. One of my sons just couldn’t sit still during lessons, and I wondered if I was doing something wrong. But I soon realised his hands-on approach to learning was a gift—one that homeschooling gave me the freedom to embrace.
If you’ve noticed the same about your child, you’re not alone. Many children thrive by ‘doing’ rather than simply watching or listening. Together, we’ll explore what makes kinesthetic/tactile learners unique and discover ways to create a learning environment that helps them flourish—because homeschooling is all about adapting to meet your child’s needs.
Understanding Kinesthetic/Tactile Learners
What is a Kinesthetic/Tactile Learner?
Kinesthetic/tactile learners process and retain information best through physical activity. They’re the builders, the creators, the ones who need to move in order to learn. While auditory learners might enjoy listening to a story and visual learners might prefer looking at pictures, these hands-on learners need to do to fully engage with the material.
Is Your Child a Kinesthetic/Tactile Learner?
As I’ve navigated homeschooling, I’ve learned to spot the signs of a kinesthetic learner. Here are some clues that might sound familiar:
- Fidgeting during lessons: Does your child tap their feet, shift around, or have trouble sitting still? This movement is often a key part of their learning process.
- Thriving on hands-on activities: Whether it’s building with blocks, crafting, or engaging in physical play, kinesthetic learners are most alive when they can work with their hands.
- Remembering through doing: Instead of recalling words or pictures, they remember by recalling actions—like how they physically solved a maths problem by working through each step.
The Power of Movement
I quickly realised that movement isn’t a distraction for these learners—it’s a vital part of how they process information. Research shows that physical activity stimulates the brain, improving memory and comprehension. So, rather than resisting their natural need to move, we can lean into it and create learning experiences that are fun, engaging, and tailored to their strengths.
Essential Strategies for Homeschooling Kinesthetic/Tactile Learners
Embrace Movement Breaks
Homeschooling gives us the freedom to pause whenever we need to. For kinesthetic learners, this means incorporating lots of opportunities to move throughout the day. I’ve found a few small adjustments can make all the difference:
- Short, frequent breaks: Let your child take mini breaks to stretch, jump, or even dance between subjects. This helps them refocus and absorb what they’ve just learned.
- Morning movement: Starting the day with yoga, a quick walk, or even a mini obstacle course can help burn off some energy and get them ready to concentrate.
- Active learning: Why not turn lessons into movement? For example, have your child act out a history scene or use hand gestures to reinforce maths concepts. The more movement, the better!
Hands-On Learning in Every Subject
With a kinesthetic learner, learning doesn’t have to look like sitting at a desk. In fact, the more hands-on the experience, the more your child will thrive.
- Maths manipulatives: Try using beads, blocks, or everyday items to demonstrate concepts. Let them physically work through problems.
- Science experiments: Create your own at-home lab where your child can explore through hands-on science activities. Experimenting with real materials makes learning come to life.
- Interactive tools: Apps and simulations can help bring abstract concepts into the physical world, offering a tactile way to engage with digital lessons.
Project-Based Learning
One of the most magical aspects of homeschooling is how you can design projects around your child’s interests and learning style. I’ve seen firsthand how project-based learning can ignite a love of discovery in kinesthetic learners.
- Building models: From a volcano to a Roman city, encourage your child to build something related to what they’re studying.
- Arts and crafts: Incorporate art into subjects like history or science by having your child paint, draw, or sculpt. Their hands will be busy, but so will their minds!
- Writing and acting plays: For a child who loves to move, acting out historical events or scientific principles can be a creative and educational way to learn.
Learning in the Real World
The world is full of opportunities to teach kinesthetic learners. Some of our best homeschooling days have been spent out in nature or on field trips, where learning happens without feeling forced.
- Field trips: Visiting museums, nature reserves, or even factories can bring lessons to life in a way that no textbook can. Being in these environments helps your child connect with the material on a deeper level.
- Nature walks: Study biology or environmental science as you walk through the park or explore your backyard. Let your child gather leaves, rocks, or other natural treasures to investigate up close.
- Everyday tasks: Cooking, gardening, and DIY projects are rich with learning opportunities. Turn these everyday moments into lessons in chemistry, biology, or engineering.
Choosing a Curriculum for Kinesthetic Learners
Hands-On Curriculum Options
There are so many curricula that cater to active learners, and choosing the right one can be a game changer for your homeschool.
- Montessori: Montessori materials encourage self-directed, tactile learning, allowing children to work with their hands at their own pace.
- Waldorf Education: With its focus on experiential learning, Waldorf integrates arts, crafts, and physical activity across subjects.
- STEM kits: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) kits are perfect for kinesthetic learners who thrive on building and experimenting. These kits offer countless hands-on projects that make abstract concepts tangible.
Crafting Your Own Materials
Sometimes the best learning tools are the ones you create yourself. Personalising lessons to match your child’s unique interests can make learning even more exciting.
- DIY kits: Put together your own instructional kits using household materials—whether it’s building a simple structure or crafting a science experiment.
- Unit studies: Design thematic unit studies around your child’s favourite topic. Incorporate hands-on projects into subjects like history, science, or literature for a more immersive experience.
Creating a Kinesthetic-Friendly Learning Environment
Setting Up Your Space
The beauty of homeschooling is that you can set up your space to fit your child’s needs. For kinesthetic learners, this means having a flexible, movement-friendly environment.
- Flexible seating: Allow your child to move between a standing desk, floor space, or even a balance ball. Letting them move as they learn can help them stay engaged.
- Activity stations: Set up different stations around your homeschool space where your child can rotate between activities, keeping things fresh and stimulating.
Tools and Gadgets to Support Learning
- Fidget tools: Simple items like stress balls or fidget spinners can help your child focus during quieter tasks.
- Interactive gadgets: Equip your space with tools like interactive whiteboards or tablets to make learning more dynamic.
Conclusion: Embrace the Joy of Hands-On Learning
Homeschooling a kinesthetic learner is full of surprises, energy, and, yes, lots of movement! At The Magic Art of Homeschool, we celebrate the joy that comes from adapting learning to fit each child’s unique needs.
Remember, homeschooling isn’t about fitting your child into a mould. It’s about giving them the freedom to learn in the way that feels right for them. By embracing their natural desire to move, create, and explore, you’ll not only meet their needs but also spark a lifelong love of learning.
We’re here to support you every step of the way. With patience, flexibility, and a little creativity, you can create a homeschooling environment that nurtures your child’s strengths and makes every day a new adventure.
