Kinesthetic Learning, And How It Helps Learning Disabilities

Kinesthetic Learning is defined as learning that is carried out by physical activities, rather than listening to lectures or watching demonstrations.

So, basically, learning by doing.

Obviously, this is always a great way to learn anything and is the way that we teach our children from infancy. We teach them to play peek-a-boo, by playing it with them. We teach them to use the toilet by sitting them on it. We teach them to ride a bike by putting them on it. Learning by doing is essential to life.

But somewhere along the line, people got this idea that we should stop doing that when it comes to "formal" education. Why, I don't know, but it is not only a faulty way of thinking, it also seriously harms those who cannot just sit and listen. Those who require a bit more hands-on experience to understand things.

Muscle memory comes into play with this type of learning and is a very helpful way for children who have learning disabilities to remember. The simple task of tracing a letter with their finger in sand, rather than writing it with a pencil, can help spark their memory faster. In this day and age with so much technology to help teach our kids, people tend to forget doing the basics of letting children learn by just doing. But for children who have disabilities, it is crucial to stick to the simple or basic ways.. they are, tried and true, the best.