Children who are identified as ‘hyperactive’ can be kinaesthetic learners. Therefore, identifying bodily or kinaesthetic intelligence in them and diverting their energy in right direction is a must. Read on to learn more about identifying bodily or kinaesthetic intelligence in children.Children who possess bodily or kinaesthetic intelligence are good at physical activity. These children always need some kind of movement and find it difficult to sit in one place.
Do you find that your child is especially good at physical activity? Is he or she happier when he or she gets a chance to move around and indulge in some physical activity? Do not blame your child for being restless or impatient. Rather these are signs that your child possesses bodily or kinaesthetic
intelligence.
What is Bodily or Kinaesthetic Intelligence?
According to Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, there are totally nine types of intelligence. Bodily or kinaesthetic intelligence is one among those nine. Those with bodily or kinaesthetic intelligence have good control over their bodily movements and are skilled when it comes to handling objects. This intelligence also involves a sense of timing and good mind-body coordination. They are gifted in various physical skills and using the whole body.
Kinaesthetic Behaviour
When it comes to
learning or understanding something, they prefer touching and doing it, rather than just looking. According to them, their mind works better when they are doing physical activities such as running, walking, etc. They prefer to spend all their free time outdoors. These people enjoy working with their hands. They are very energetic and absolutely
love physical movement. Their bodies are flexible and agile. Generally, they are described as always being ‘on the go.’
Reaction of Society
Many young children are hyperactive and like to keep moving all the time, but it takes a smart adult to recognize and understand kinaesthetic intelligence. These children are generally perceived as ‘hyperactive’ by society. Parents blame them for not being able to sit in one place. Instead of understanding and encouraging kinaesthetic
activities, they take efforts to suppress the behaviour. Teachers and parents often restrict them from doing a lot of things. It is better to identify kinaesthetic behaviour from an early age and develop it rather than suppressing or restricting it.
Characteristics of Kinaesthetic Learners
These people have good motor skills and excel in physical activity involving the use of muscles. They are very aware of their bodies and like to be active all the time. They have excellent hand-eye coordination. They are very skilful and competent with their hands. They are very fidgety and keep squirming even at the breakfast table or the desk at school. They like fixing things around the house and figuring out how things work.
Helping Kids with Bodily or Kinaesthetic Intelligence
Parents should encourage and develop bodily or kinaesthetic intelligence in children. As they find it difficult to sit still and in one place for a long time, parents should allow them breaks in between
studies.
Involve such kids in activities which involve physical movements such as dancing or sports. These kids are better at expressing themselves through physical activities, so do not restrict them and encourage them to be active. When they are encouraged rather than being suppressed, they often turn out to be creative individuals.
It is not very difficult to identify kinaesthetic behaviour. Once, you have identified your kid as a kinaesthetic learner, bring out your child’s hidden talents and help him or her to develop those talents.
These kids are happier when they pursue a career involving physical movement. Movement is very necessary for them, hence they are generally more successful in careers which involve physical activity. Some are blessed with athletic abilities and some are gifted with fine motor skills. Those gifted with fine motor skills are good at drawing or crafts. Rather than suppressing them, parents need to identify their skills and encourage them to pursue those activities or careers.
What is bodily or kinaesthetic intelligence? How to identify bodily or kinaesthetic intelligence? Why is it important to identify and boost bodily or kinaesthetic intelligence in children? Discuss here.