Kinesthetic learners are best engaged in education when their muscles are active in the learning process. These learners are often adept at physical activity and are very coordinated. Kinesthetic learning is characterized by movement, both fine and gross-motor movement. That can mean using hands to grip, move and manipulate objects, or it can mean being out of the desk and moving around the classroom for an educational activity. Although teaching math in this style can be challenging, it is not impossible.
Cuisenaire rods are a simple and effective tool for engaging kinesthetic learners. The rods are of varying size and color. Each rod has a number value that is determined by its size and corresponding color. For example, the longest rod is orange, and it has the greatest numerical value of 10. Overtime, students learn the value and relationships of the rods and the numbers that they represent. Through tactile manipulation, they are taught to manipulate the rods to create and solve math equations and learn fractions.
For some kinesthetic learners, even the smallest amount of movement is enough to keep them learning at the same rate as their peers. Re-writing lesson notes helps the kinesthetic learner to engage fine-motor muscles and simultaneously review newly learned math skills. The hand movements involved in using flash cards also engage the body while the mind is focused on practicing facts. When possible, using measuring cups is an effective approach for involving kinesthetic learners in a math lesson.
In classrooms that have a high number of kinesthetic learners, it can be necessary to take more drastic measures. One such game is called "Math Kickball." If a baseball diamond is available for use, that becomes the kickball field. If not, one can be made in an open space with rubber bases. Two desks are set up, one at first base and one at third base. The teacher/pitcher has flash cards. Before kicking, the student must answer a given number of facts posed by the flash cards. After kicking, the student must stop at the first and third base desks to complete a given amount of work.