Though kinesthetic learners are found among students of all ages and all levels of intelligence, kinesthetic activities are far more prevalent in kindergarten and elementary school. Educators relying heavily on lectures and reading assignments may be leaving behind students who are primarily kinesthetic learners. Knowledge gaps are created and fostered when a particular learning style is under-represented or ignored. A learning barrier is created when a visual or kinesthetic learner receives information via lecture. The most effective educators address all learning styles using a wide variety of lessons. Most learners could benefit from lessons addressing not only visual and auditory but also kinesthetic learning styles. This is because few students have a learning style that is purely visual, purely auditory or purely kinesthetic.
Visual learners benefit most by reading directions rather than hearing them. Visual learners would be more likely to remember a name they read on a nametag rather a name they simply heard. Graphic organizers such as flow charts, Venn diagrams and timelines accompanying a lecture would serve to reduce the learning gaps for those students who are primarily visual learners. Kinesthetic activities should incorporate written directions and visual aids to avoid learning gaps for the visual learners.
Auditory learners are retain information best when they hear it. Lectures, books on tape, debates and other auditory activities are most effective for these learners. Learning gaps occur for the student favoring auditory learning when all information is conveyed visually and/or kinesthetically. Educators can close these gaps by supplementing visual or kinesthetic lessons with verbal explanations, summaries and reviews as well as role-playing, story telling, teacher read alouds and other auditory activities.
Kinesthetic learners need to get up and move around. These learners do not fare well in a traditional "talk and chalk" classroom setting and are often left behind. These students need frequent transitions, and activities involving touch, moving around the room and interacting with classmates. Educators can close learning gaps for these students with activities such as plays, projects, field trips, puzzles and activities in which students move around the classroom. The innovative teacher who plans ahead can deliver creative kinesthetic activities that all learners enjoy.