Kinesthetic learners need to move and use the body. They usually are good at sports and acting, and they are unable to sit still for long periods of time. They are the ones who will move their arms around while talking. These children might be mischaracterized as being hyperactive, when really they are moving in order to process and retain information. Many of these children have a harder time in standard school settings as those are set up mainly for visual and auditory styles.
Kinesthetic learners do best when they are allowed to use their bodies while learning. They would benefit from the use of flash cards, acting out what they are learning, or using some type of device they can manipulate to understand the ideas or concepts being taught. It’s good to let the kinesthetic learners stand up and repeat what they have learned or act out the information so they can move and use their bodies.
Visual learners need to see what they are learning. They can be identified by the words they use such as: “I see,” and “Can you show me.” Visual learners will say their dreams are colorful. Visual learners would prefer a list or written explanation of what they need to do, rather than being told. Visual learners do best with reading, PowerPoints, charts, graphs and pictures. Visual learners can color code different concepts while writing them down. Visual learners need time to process what they have learned.
Auditory learners prefer hearing lectures or explanations. They would do well with learning in song. They might say things like: “I hear you,” or “Can you tell me.” Auditory learners would rather have you tell them what they need to do, rather than show them or write it down. Auditory learners would do better with verbal tests, where they are asked the question and then answer, than with written tests. Auditory learners would do well with group discussions, question and answer sessions, and explaining to someone else what they have learned.
Tactile learners need to use their hands. Tactile learners do best when they can do what they have learned. For example, if they are learning about computers, they need to be working on the computer while they are learning it. Taking notes, using calculators or highlighting while being taught will help them retain and learn information. Tactile learners want to touch things, and might say “I feel” when describing things.
Teaching a basic concept of “A is for Apple” to different learning styles:
Kinesthetic: Have the child get up and find an “A” on the wall, and then find and point out the “Apple.”
Visual: Put up a picture of an “A,” then put up a picture of an “Apple.” Spell the word out on the board and have the child write them both down and draw the picture.
Auditory: Say “A” is for “Apple” and have the child repeat it to you. Singing it in song would also help.
Tactile: Have the child cut an “A” out of a magazine, and then have them cut out a picture of an “Apple.” Let the child write down or draw what you are teaching.
