How to Make Kinesthetic Learners Focus

Kinesthetic learners can be a challenge in the classroom, as they do not respond well to standard classroom activities such as reading, listening to lectures or watching video. They learn best through hands-on activities, and when not provided a learning environment that fits their learning style, they tend lose focus, fidget and become a distraction because they can't sit still.



Teaching a kinesthetic learner to focus is not about focus itself but about providing activities in an environment that is conducive to kinesthetic learning.

Instructions

1. Identify a kinesthetic learner. This child communicates with his body language, likes to touch objects, will tend to walk slowly and talk slowly and likes to dress for comfort. This is a do-it-yourself child, who learns best through trial and error. He is usually coordinated and excels in physical education and sports. When bored, the kinesthetic learner fidgets and appears distracted.

2. Provide manipulative activities that complement the lesson. When a kinesthetic learner can move and manipulate objects, comprehension improves. Examples of manipulatives include fraction tiles, flash cards, coins and drawing and art supplies.

3. Stop the lecture or video periodically and allow for an activity. Kinesthetic learners process information in chunks; they lose focus when forced to watch a long video or listen to a lecture. For example, stop teaching a lesson on the solar system and create a solar system using students as planets and the sun. Have them act out a whole day revolving around the sun.

4. Choose books that are action oriented for a kinesthetic learner. Allow her to silently act out the action at her reading area, which will keep her focused on the book. Many kinesthetic learners benefit from tracing the pictures or following along with a finger. These strategies will improve focus on reading, often a challenging subject for this type of learner.

5. Allow the kinesthetic learner to learn while doing physical activity. For example, if the class is memorizing the Preamble to the Constitution, have the student repeat the words while doing jumping jacks. This will narrow his focus to the topic at hand and allow for the physical activity he needs.

Tips & Warnings

• Any sort of activity that a kinesthetic learner can incorporate into learning will help that student to focus. Computer games, role playing, experimenting and manipulating are all examples of techniques that create an environment in which a kinesthetic learner can flourish.

References

• Brain Gym International
• Minds in Motion
• "Strategies for Teaching Hands-on Learners in the Classroom"; Krista Tannahill; 2009