When it comes to learning styles, every child is unique. Some thrive with visual cues, others absorb information through listening, and then there are kinesthetic learners—kids who learn best through movement, touch, and hands-on experiences. While this learning style can be a gift in many subjects, it can sometimes make reading feel like an uphill battle. When it came to reading with my youngest, I could immediately tell that something was different and that’s when I dove down the rabbit hole of learning styles. If your child struggles to sit still during story time or gets frustrated with traditional reading exercises, chances are they’re a kinesthetic learner.
The good news? With the right strategies, parents can nurture a love of reading in these active learners. In this post, we’ll dive into what kinesthetic learning is, how it affects reading development, and practical tips to help your child succeed. We’ll also share why a resource like Reading.com can make all the difference.
Kinesthetic Meaning
A kinesthetic learner is someone who processes information best when they are physically engaged. These children may prefer building, acting things out, drawing, or moving around as they learn. They tend to have strong motor memory, meaning they remember better when their bodies are involved in the process.
Helping your kinesthetic child develop strong reading skills is all about meeting them where they are, through movement, interaction, and creativity. Fortunately, there are many excellent learning resources for kids available online that can help you find ideas. Here are some proven strategies:
While this style is powerful for subjects like science experiments, sports, and art, it can create challenges in literacy because reading and writing are often taught in very static ways—sitting quietly, focusing on text, and practicing stillness. For a kinesthetic learner, this can feel unnatural and even frustrating.
How Being a Kinesthetic Learner Affects Reading
- Difficulty Sitting Still During Reading Time
Many kinesthetic learners find it hard to focus if they’re required to sit quietly for long stretches. They may fidget, pace, or look distracted, which can be mistaken for disinterest. - Struggles with Phonics and Memorization
Traditional phonics instruction relies heavily on repetition and visual recognition of letters and sounds. Kinesthetic learners often need a more tactile or movement-based approach to truly absorb these concepts. - Frustration with Slow Progress
Reading requires patience and incremental skill-building. Kinesthetic learners, who often excel in fast-paced, physical activities, may become easily frustrated when reading feels slow. - Preference for Action-Oriented Stories
These children are usually more engaged when stories involve action, adventure, or opportunities to imagine themselves physically participating in the story, like the choose your own path books.
Tips and Tricks for Parents of Kinesthetic Learners
Helping your kinesthetic child develop strong reading skills is all about meeting them where they are—through movement, interaction, and creativity. Here are some proven strategies:
1. Make Reading Active
Instead of asking your child to sit still, incorporate movement:
- Have them act out scenes from the story.
- Use props or toys to bring the story to life.
- Let them “jump” to the correct word on flashcards spread across the floor.
2. Incorporate Multi-Sensory Learning
Kinesthetic learners thrive when multiple senses are engaged. Try:
- Writing letters in sand, shaving cream, or clay.
- Tracing letters with fingers before sounding them out.
- Using magnetic letters or letter tiles they can physically manipulate.
3. Short, Frequent Reading Sessions
Rather than long reading blocks, aim for 10–15 minute bursts throughout the day. Pairing these with movement breaks can help sustain focus and prevent frustration.
4. Pair Movement with Phonics
When practicing sounds, have your child clap, stomp, or hop with each letter or syllable. Associating sound with motion helps build stronger memory connections. We like the ABC song in Reading.com. It isn’t your traditional ABC song. This song has sounds and word references for each letter. My son dances and we sing together to the upbeat tune. This song is perfect because he has remembered the song an also the sounds for each letter.
5. Let Them Fidget
Provide tools like stress balls, fidget spinners, or even a wobble chair during reading. Allowing controlled movement can actually help them focus.
6. Choose High-Interest, Action-Filled Books
Adventure stories, mysteries, or books with interactive elements (lift-the-flap, touch-and-feel, or choose-your-own-adventure) keep kinesthetic learners more engaged.
7. Encourage Storytelling and Role Play
If reading feels overwhelming, let your child tell stories instead. Encourage them to act out their favorite parts of a book, draw a comic strip, or even build the story with blocks or toys.
8. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Digital learning platforms that offer interactive and hands-on approaches can be a lifesaver.
Why Reading.com Is a Great Resource for Kinesthetic Learners
One of the best tools for parents navigating this journey is Reading.com. Unlike traditional reading programs, Reading.com is designed to be engaging, interactive, and parent-friendly. It’s especially helpful for kinesthetic learners because:
- It’s interactive: Kids don’t just stare at words; they engage through games, exercises, and activities that hold their attention.
- It combines multiple senses: The program blends visual, auditory, and tactile elements, making it ideal for kids who need more than just “look and read.”
- It keeps sessions short and fun: Perfect for kids who struggle with long attention spans.
- It empowers parents: The step-by-step guidance makes it easy for moms and dads to know how to support their child at home without guesswork.
Parents of kinesthetic learners often feel like they’re battling uphill when it comes to reading. Reading.com changes the game by making reading interactive and enjoyable, turning what used to feel like a struggle into something exciting. Take the Reading.com quiz to determine the correct reading curriculum for your child.
Kinesthetic learners may not fit the mold of traditional reading instruction, but that doesn’t mean they can’t become strong, confident readers. By bringing movement, creativity, and multi-sensory activities into reading time, you can align learning with your child’s natural strengths.
Remember: the goal isn’t just to teach your child to read—it’s to help them love reading. By embracing their unique learning style and using tools like Reading.com, you’ll be setting them up for long-term success, not just in reading, but in all areas of learning.
If your child is a kinesthetic learner, consider this: Reading doesn’t have to mean “sit still and look at a page.” With the right approach, reading can be a dynamic, active, and joyful adventure.
Please Note: I always strive to provide accurate and helpful information, but just a quick heads-up—I’m a blogger, not a doctor, lawyer, CPA, or any other kind of certified professional. I’m here to share my experiences and insights, but please make sure to use your own judgment and consult the right professionals when needed.
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