actionread.blogspot.com: Who doesn’t love a little tactile learning?

By Gabe Smith, Action Read Group Facilitator

In a simplistic way we can look at learning styles as a spectrum of 3 components (auditory, visual, and kinesthetic) with a lot of overlap. When you have a strong leaning toward kinesthetic learning it is important to link concepts to actions. Although learning by doing may not be the first thing that leaps to mind when you think of a classroom or a tutoring session it can be a very engaging way to learn.

The Action Read Math Group learning about measuring, angles and timing by launching rockets at the park, July 2016

We all learn in a variety of ways however, most people learn many things very well by watching or listening to instructions. We watch videos or talk to someone about something we need to learn. This works great both in the classroom and out in the world. Unfortunately for some of us, much of our learning is accomplished through a kinesthetic or tactile way. So what if - when you see something, it doesn’t make much sense, or when you hear something it fails to resonate? Then have some fun.

We are all capable of learning through different styles but most of us have a preferred method when we are trying to learn something difficult. This is when it can be most advantageous to know and use your preferred learning style. If you want to know all about different learning styles go ahead and check out some of the great resources below.

If you want some examples of how you can adjust your teaching (or learning) to include some more kinesthetic and tactile elements then stick with me (or come back later).

Below a bunch of great ideas that have worked in my groups here at Action Read. Keep in mind however, when working with adults, many people will balk at activities that seem childish. So keep it light but keep it on task.

Reading

Reading out loud is a step in the right direction but…

acting out what is being read is great. Find a play with a great monologue or read along to your favorite song
stand up to read, altering your position can prolong attention
touching or holding different materials while reading can provide welcome stimuli. Common things are fine. I have used sand, gravel, stones, paperclips, and rags
storyboards or drawing what is being read can be better. This can also be a great way to let out some creativity and assess understanding
stress-ball anyone? These can help with all kinds of situations

Writing

Writing can be a hard subject to get physically creative with as we often get carried away with the inherent creativity of writing itself. So think about…

writing on different surfaces such as card stock, cardboard, paper towel, white board, chalkboard, the possibilities are nearly endless
using the computer. Like you needed me to tell you that!
talking about writing while walking, how about a few trips up and down the stairs. Frequent stops to take notes can be a great way to make sure you don’t lose all your amazing ideas

Math

Stop avoiding math and see just how much fun it can be when…

Cooking. It’s a great way to work on all kinds of math skills such as;

measuring – How much flour do I use?
adding – If I need to put in this much milk and this much water how large of a container will I need?
telling time – What time will it be when I need to take those cookies out of the oven?
multiplication – My recipe is for 4 servings but we have 12 people in the class, how much milk will I need?
division – There are only 2 of us working on this project do we really need to make 24 cookies?

Trying physics. That’s right, throwing a ball or launching a rocket can be math if you measure it. This can get complicated if you go full on physics right away, but with practice you can break it down into manageable steps for basic functions.

Rock tumbling. Over time the rocks smooth out, and when this occurs they lose material. How much? Wash them and weigh them to find out. Toss a little geology into your math they feel great together. (Hint you can plot this too for a way cool looking graph. Then when you’re done, make a wicked slick looking piece of jewelry.)

How about a human clock?

Place numbers out on the floor and be the hands of that clock
Make a clock out of an old book or CD.

Are you getting excited? I am, let’s get up and learn!

All of that said, the best teaching and learning tools for those who need kinesthetic or tactile learning will include things that use the body or include touching and textures. They will also include some practice in translating the learning. It is always great to use our strengths but let’s not ignore our weaknesses.