Kinesthetic/tactile learners can be among the most fun and most challenging to teach.  On one hand, undertaking hands-on projects, being on the go for field trips, moving while memorizing, reading, or otherwise engaged in learning can create an energetic learning environment.  On the other hand, aside from learning projects, there is little in the way of comprehensive, ready-made instructional programs designed specifically for kinesthetic/tactile learners.  Although games and hands-on projects are used sometimes as instructional activities, they are not a large portion of any traditional curriculum.  So, what can you do?

When looking for products and programs for teaching your child, it helps to know the industry buzzwords to search for when looking for teaching materials.  The most common description will be either hands-on or “learning games.”  You can also search for “experiential” as a keyword in your searches.  Also, brain-based learning activities often incorporate movement which will meet the needs of kinesthetic learners.

For teaching mathematics, number concepts can be taught using claps or stomps for addition and subtraction.  Using manipulatives and objects that the child can handle will help solidify other math concepts.  The hands-on programs that meet the needs of visual learners will also be a better fit for kinesthetic/tactile learners than text-only presentations of information. Programs that use hands-on manipulatives include Math-U-See, Cuisenaire Rods, and Base Ten blocks.  Aside from these premade programs, math games are fun reinforcements to learning for kinesthetic/tactile learners.

For teaching reading, using large-body movements when teaching the sound-symbol correspondences will help your kinesthetic/tactile learner assimilate the information he needs for reading.  Large-body movements can include making very large letters on a traditional chalkboard hung at an effective height for a child to use (we have our chalkboard hung about two feet above ground level).  You can also have your child trace the letters in carpet or on any textured surface with his foot or finger.   Your tactile child can fashion the letters out of clay as he recites the sound of that particular letter or trace the letters on a soapy baking sheet or in a pan of sand.  There are any number of options for incorporating movement and a sense of touch into your daily teaching, but it does require more creative thinking and planning than other learning styles.

Many kinesthetic activities also work well for Tactile learners.  The table below contains ideas for kinesthetically teaching concepts your child.  You can use the ideas listed below or come up with your own ideas.

Air Writing	Have child set up a “Shop” to practice math with money, the child is the cashier.	Rhythmic Clap and Tap for Spelling & memorization
Build Models
CatchBall Drills – Play catch while reviewing facts	Interpretive Dance	Role Playing
Cooking or building for measurement studies	Jump Rope Recitation – Memorization while jumping	Scavenger Hunts
Field Trips	Large Arm writing on whiteboard or chalkboard	Science Experiments
Frequent activity breaks / Brain Gym	Letter Tiles	Walk while listening to Audio Books
Hands-on Experiments	Make your own “Walk and Talk” tapes for memorization	Walking Review – Walking while listening or reciting
Hands-On Museum Visits	Nature Hikes	Plays, Drama, or Skits