I'm always on the go, I'm intelligent: tips and tricks to foster learning with an active child

But first, what is kinesthetic intelligence?

A little theory

Kinesthetic intelligence is one of the eight multiple intelligences proposed by Howard Gardner's theory. This theory was first proposed in 1983. In that version, there were only seven forms of multiple intelligences:

• Linguistic intelligence
• Logical-mathematical intelligence
• Visual-spatial intelligence
• Intrapersonal intelligence
• Interpersonal intelligence
• Kinesthetic intelligence (also called bodily-kinesthetic)
• Musical intelligence

The author suggests that each individual is born with all seven intelligences. Throughout life, each intelligence will develop at a different pace and level. Usually, one or two intelligences emerge as dominant. These will influence a person's perception and understanding of life. Everyone is different according to the developmental level of their various intelligences. This is what makes us unique! The theory was enriched in 1993, when naturalist intelligence was added. In many Quebec schools, Gardner's work is used to help children better understand themselves and develop learning and working strategies suited to their personality. The theory of multiple intelligences also soothes the self-esteem of children (or adolescents) who do not feel "good" or "competent," simply because the methods presented to them so far did not match their intelligence profile.

What does it look like in practice?

Each intelligence has particular traits. A child in whom kinesthetic intelligence is dominant generally exhibits the following characteristics:

• They like to be active and move
• They are manual and skillful with their hands
• They are skilled in sports and enjoy physical activity
• They learn by manipulating, by touching
• They have good fine motor skills, good dexterity
• They have good gross motor skills, they are in control of their body and movements

And for learning, how do we go about it?

Is your child restless during homework time? Do they fidget in their chair or constantly play with their materials? Do they tend not to read instructions and "dive" into the task quickly? Is their concentration difficult? Do you feel they constantly need to move? There's a good chance your child has a kinesthetic dominance! If so, several ways exist to adapt "homework time" to their more active dominance. Here are a few; feel free to modify them according to your context and reality. Specifically, a child with kinesthetic dominance needs:

• to be active
• to move
• to manipulate
• to feel

First, your child can do a short exercise session (jump rope, jumping jacks, running, etc.), then a relaxation session (yoga, breathing exercises) before starting homework or study time. Physical activity will allow them to release their excess energy and relaxation to calm down to be available and more concentrated.

For rote memorization tasks, such as spelling vocabulary words, conjugating verbs, or studying different tables (addition, subtraction, etc.), you can ask your child to do so:

• while throwing a ball back and forth with you
• while jumping in place, doing jumping jacks
• using materials (magnetic letters and numbers, Scrabble tiles)
• by aiming a ball at a target

To help them memorize, suggest they walk or sit on an exercise ball. Movement will facilitate their concentration.

For solving math problems, using manipulative materials is very helpful. This can be tokens, marbles, cubes, but also pebbles or pasta (uncooked!). Using an erasable board can also be interesting for problems requiring visual support.

For preparing for a test on a specific subject or for recitation (the concepts to be studied are known in advance), have them prepare a "Question/Answer" type game. They will be active while reviewing important concepts for the evaluation.

It is common for children with a dominance of kinesthetic intelligence to be drawn to theater. Study periods can be adapted by doing role-playing games or mimes. For younger children, puppets can also be a good option.

You can also allow your child to work standing up. If they spend their time fidgeting in their chair, it's mainly because it helps them concentrate. By standing, they can move their feet and body, which allows for better concentration and greater comfort. If it's possible to put large sheets or a board on the wall for them to work on, it will help them experiment and be active.

Overall, for studying, try using lab equipment, manipulatives, a globe, playdough, sports equipment (balls, rackets, small hockey nets), building blocks, costumes, etc. The more your child moves and manipulates, the more concentrated they will be, and the easier their learning will be.

Is my child hyperactive?

One should not confuse a child who needs to manipulate, touch, and move with a child who has an attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity. It's not the same thing. Just because your child has a dominance of kinesthetic intelligence doesn't mean they will receive an ADHD diagnosis. It simply means they learn this way. However, it can be beneficial for an hyperactive child to be put into action and to be able to express all their energy through physical activities, much like children with a kinesthetic dominance.

Do you recognize your child? Do you think they have a dominant kinesthetic intelligence? What are your tips for respecting their energetic personality in daily life and in their learning?

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