By Patti Hutchison /
1Kim was so excited that she had found out she wasn't dumb after all. She just had a different learning style. She was kinesthetic. She liked to move around a lot. Mr. Ellis had given her some study tips for her learning style. She had tried some of them like silently shaking her foot under her desk. She had also been taking notes and doodling while she listened to lectures. These things had made it easier to focus on what was going on in class. She was wondering if Mr. Ellis had some more tips for her and her kinesthetic learning style.
2Kim stopped in the LearningCenter after school. Mr. Ellis welcomed her. She asked him if there were other things she could do that would help her to do better in school. Mr. Ellis showed her some charts on the wall.
3"These charts show some study tips for the different learning styles. Your kinesthetic style is on the last chart," he told Kim. "Look it over and we can talk about the tips."
4Kim began reading the chart. The first tip really made sense to her. It said to choose hands-on projects whenever possible. "I love to make models and dioramas," Kim said. "I like to draw maps and posters. I get better grades on them than I do on my essays and research papers."
5"Lots of times teachers give you options," Mr. Ellis explained. "But sometimes you will have to write papers. There are some tips for that on the chart, too."
6Kim read on. "Writing is also a kinesthetic activity," it said. Kim should highlight information while she is researching. Then she should put notes in large print on note cards. This will give her the sense of movement she needs. She can then organize the cards and write or type her paper from them.
7When studying, the chart suggested kinesthetic learners move about as much as possible. They should pace or walk around. They should act things out as much as possible.
8"For example," Mr. Ellis said, "let's say you are studying vocabulary words. One of the words is ‘challenge.' It means to confront or defy. You could act out the beginning of a sword fight, drawing your sword and taking the fight stance. He demonstrated. This will help you remember the meaning of the word. Of course, this is easier with verbs, but if you are creative, you can act out almost any word." He explained that this would also help her with spelling words and other things she had to memorize.
9The chart also suggested that kinesthetic learners schedule movement breaks during their day. They should try not to have too many classes in a row where they have to sit and listen. Try to break up the day with phys. ed., art, and other hands on classes as much as possible.
10The same advice was given for study periods at home. Kinesthetic people should take frequent breaks to walk the dog, do some jumping jacks, or jump rope.
11"Just make sure you go back to what you were doing," Mr. Ellis chuckled.
12"Don't worry," Kim said. "I am excited about doing all this. It's helping me get my grades up so I can play softball."
13"Good grades will do a lot more for you than just softball. They will open many doors for you. You can come back anytime for some more tips if you want to. Or you can just come and study," Mr. Ellis assured her.
14"Thanks a bunch, Mr. Ellis. I hope you'll come to one of my ball games!" Kim exclaimed as she ran for the bus.
Copyright © 2008 edHelper
Kim Is Kinesthetic, Part 2
1. / Name two types of hands-on projects a kinesthetic learner might like to do./ 2. / When studying, kinesthetic learners should:
Pace
Talk aloud
Read the textbook over and over
3. / Give the steps kinesthetic learners should follow when writing an essay or paper.
/ 4. / When studying at home, kinesthetic learners should:
Take frequent breaks to walk around
Watch a movie
Make themselves sit still until they are finished
5. / Kinesthetic learners can memorize vocabulary words by:
Reading them over and over
Acting them out
Saying them aloud
/ 6. / Writing is a kinesthetic activity.
False
True