Parenting Children that are Kinesthetic Learners in the Homeschool Class Room

Parenting a Kinesthetic Learner in the Homeschool Classroom

Parenting a kinesthetic learner may prove to be either highly challenging or highly enjoyable. For some parents, it is bother challenging and rewarding. There are three main styles when it comes to learning among individuals. Many children are visual learners, while others are auditory learners. These children learn by seeing or hearing. The kinesthetic learner is a physical learner. Many refer to this type of learner as a “hands on” learner. If you teach your child in a homeschool classroom, it is important that you learn to identify the signs of a kinesthetic learner and that you adjust your lessons accordingly.

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Signs and Symptoms of A Child Being A Kinesthetic Learner

There are many signs that your child may exhibit that may indicate that they are a kinesthetic learner. While it is true that only about 10% of the population in the United States are kinesthetic learners, it is important that you recognize the signs as a parent that homeschools so that if it is necessary, you are able to adjust the lessons that you teach.

Parents should look for the following signs and warning symptoms in their kid and other children of learning strengths and weaknesses:

• Your child often displays the need to touch and/or handle things.

• Many children enjoy seeing how something is done, but the kinesthetic learner will want to focus on the activity themselves with little or no advanced explanation.

• Many children that are kinesthetic learners will be physically active nearly all of the time. They may move while they learn or fiddle around with something while learning new things.

• Kinesthetic learners often want to show others what they know rather than just explain it.

• Individuals who have observed your child may often describe them as having an attention deficit disorder due to the fact that they must move consistently.

Teaching A Home Schooled Child

If Any of these Signs Sound Familiar, you may, in Fact, be Dealing with a Kinesthetic Learner!

It is important to ensure that you parent in such a way that is productive to their learning experience. The following outlines some steps that you may take in the homeschool classroom in order to optimize your child’s learning experience:

1. If you are teaching a kinesthetic learner in the homeschool classroom, try to avoid the temptation to restrict the physical movements of the child. For example, if they move their legs back and forth while reading , allow them to do so as long as they will not hurt themselves or another. This is part of their need to be physical while learning. While it may prove to be distracting to you, this movement is actually helping your child.
2. When teaching certain skills and concepts, try to avoid a lot of book work. Give your child actual physical activities to do. If they are learning new words, write the words on index cards and ask them to try to create a sentence on a table or on the floor. If they are learning about money, set up a small “store” and allow them to run the cash register using play money or even real coins and bills
3. If you require that your child displays their knowledge on a certain concept or subject, encourage them to draw, create their own model, or even display the information by acting it out. This will not only help reinforce what they have learned, but it will allow them the means to be creative.
4. Parenting a kinesthetic learner will be a very interesting endeavor if you homeschool your child. By learning the signs of this type of learner and following the advice listed here, you can optimize your child’s learning experience.