Knowledge in Motion: Tutoring a Kinetic Learner

We've all known a student who simply can't sit still. Maybe she wriggles around in her seat, even after being told to sit quietly and listen. Or, maybe he simply can't wait to solve a math problem and rushes to the whiteboard before the teacher even asks. Some parents and teachers see this behavior as symptomatic of a learning disability, such as ADHD. In reality, though, these behaviors are not always cause for alarm. Wriggling, jumping up, waving a hand in order to be called on: These are all traits of a kinetic learner.

You may recall our earlier posts on auditory learners and visual learners. Just as a tutoring session can be tailored to fit those learning styles, it can also be tailored to best suit a kinetic learner. First, let's look at some of the classic traits of kinetic learners. As you read through this list, reflect upon to what extent it describes your child.

A kinetic learner:

• loves dance, drama, sports, or physical exercise (such as running or playing hide-and-seek).
• would rather spend her free time outdoors than indoors.
• has good hand-eye coordination (e.g., can easily catch things, cut shapes out of paper, etc.).
• is easily distracted by any movement or noise around him.
• finds it very difficult to sit still for a lengthy period of time (such as the duration of a classroom lesson or a film).
• often uses hand gestures when speaking with someone.
• learns in a tactile fashion (in other words, she needs to touch things in order to learn about them).

If four or more of these traits apply to your child, he is most likely a kinetic learner. Knowing this, you can craft personalized tutoring sessions that will increase his knowledge and enthusiasm (and decrease the number of times you need to say, "Won't you just sit down?").

No matter what subject area your child is studying, she can learn the material in a kinetic fashion. Consider the following ideas before your next tutoring session with your energetic kinetic learner.

Put Reading into Motion: Many kinetic learners find it boring, frustrating, and sometimes even impossible to sit still. This can become especially problematic in classroom situations where the teacher expects every child to sit quietly for 20 minutes and read from their textbooks. In such a situation, the frustration that a kinetic learner feels prevents her from being able to concentrate on the reading—which, unfortunately, prevents her from learning. In your tutoring sessions, allow your child to walk around as she reads. She might stand up and give a dramatic reading of the textbook chapter (it doesn't matter which subject—in fact, it can be silly, memorable fun to give a super-dramatic reading of an algebra chapter!), or she might "act out" a historic moment or scientific concept.

Take It Outside: Kinetic learners respond very positively to natural environments. They love being outdoors and are engaged and inspired in that setting. For this reason, consider moving your tutoring sessions beyond the typical home-office of kitchen-table scenario. Instead, head outside and take a nature walk. This, of course, lends itself splendidly to science tutoring—but you can discuss any academic subject as you take this walk. The important factors are the fresh air and the opportunity for motion. You may find that your kinetic learner also benefits from project-based learning, which we discussed in a recent post.

Team Up: Most kinetic learners do not enjoy solitary studying. They're not going to curl up with a book for hours on end, or pore over a single calculus problem until they find the correct answer. Instead, they seek ways to interact with their environment—and that includes the people in their environment, too. When you tutor your kinetic-learning student, include plenty of hands-on activities and plenty of conversation. Pay attention to her nonverbal cues (such as folded arms or tapping fingers) so that you know when she's growing frustrated or impatient. Instead of trying immediately to steer her "back on task," take a moment to just chat, or to go for a brisk walk. This engagement and action will help her focus.

Many tutors are terrific at working with kinetic learners. If you're looking for an in-home tutor, take a look at Care.com, which pairs students with tutors nationwide. You can also find an online tutor for your kinetic learner.