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Adaptations for Kinesthetic Learners

Kinesthetic learners make up one of the many groups of diverse learners that sometimes find learning in a classroom difficult. Though often thought of as squirming, hyperactive children of elementary or middle school age, kinesthetic learners can be found in all types of learning situations. They may require adaptations, or nontraditional classroom elements, in order to succeed. Even colleges recognize the need to assist kinesthetic learners.
  1. Preferential Seating, Standing

    • Kinesthetic learners need permission and room to bounce, tap, move and wiggle without disturbing others. A kinesthetic student's movements help him to concentrate and learn more successfully. Provide kinesthetic learners with space to move without disturbing others. Explain that standing at the back of the room during lessons is acceptable. Offer soft fabrics such as small pillows for them to tap on without disturbing others.

    Drawing and Doodling

    • Allow kinesthetic learners to draw and doodle while they listen to instruction. Rather than distracting them, this often suffices as movement enough to help them concentrate and learn. Additionally, kinesthetic learners sometimes process information such as class notes better by drawing pictures than by writing words. Kinesthetic learners may need to draw models, write in different colors if taking text notes and use highlighters to help them concentrate. Chalkboards and whiteboards may also help kinesthetic learners concentrate.

    Offer Active Choices

    • Active adaptations for kinesthetic learners include playing games rather than filling out worksheets. Science labs rather than reading a chapter or listening to a lecture help kinesthetic learners succeed. Whenever appropriate, guide kinesthetic learners through creating models, acting out a scene or talking with others in a group as they learn new concepts rather than delivering materials through text or lecture.

    Alternate Assessments

    • When working on an assessment or project, offer active choices rather than traditional paper and pencil assessments to kinesthetic learners. Allow kinesthetic learners to assess orally through simple answers, presentations, poems or songs. Creating a computer slideshow or poster offers kinesthetic learners another active choice for assessment. When assessing math or science, provide materials that allow kinesthetic learners to show you they know the material.

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