Reframing Kinaesthetic learning: Activities that benefit every child
For years, educators have discussed “learning styles,” from visual and auditory to kinaesthetic. You might have heard someone say, “She’s a kinaesthetic learner,” as if that label defines a child permanently. Research now shows that rigidly categorising students in this way isn’t effective.
Children don’t need to fit into boxes to learn successfully, and at Academy21, we avoid labelling students as “kinaesthetic learners,” instead focusing on strategies that support all learners.
That doesn’t mean movement and hands-on activities aren’t valuable. On the contrary, when incorporated thoughtfully, kinaesthetic strategies help students engage more deeply, understand abstract concepts, and enjoy the learning process. But how exactly can you implement these strategies into your classrooms?
What is Kinaesthetic learning?
Kinaesthetic learning refers to the process of learning through physical activity and hands-on experience. It involves engaging the body alongside the mind, whether through building, experimenting, role-play, movement, or creative expression. The idea is that by involving physical action, students can process and retain information more effectively, making abstract concepts more concrete.
The concept of kinaesthetic learning has roots in educational theories such as Howard Gardner’s bodily-kinaesthetic intelligence and Neil Fleming’s VARK model. Historically, students were often labelled according to these “learning styles,” with the implication that they could only learn effectively in one mode. However, research now shows that rigidly assigning students to a single style is not supported by evidence, and most learners benefit from a combination of approaches.
At Academy21, we don’t label students as “kinaesthetic learners.” Instead, we treat kinaesthetic activities as strategies that can enhance learning for everyone. Activities like manipulating objects, exploring materials, conducting experiments, or participating in drama are not exclusive to a particular type of student – they provide all learners with opportunities to engage actively, deepen understanding, and strengthen memory and comprehension.
By framing kinaesthetic learning as a set of flexible, practical strategies rather than a fixed category, educators can make lessons more interactive and accessible, supporting a wide range of abilities and learning preferences.
The power of kinaesthetic learning: Why movement matters
Neuroscience research shows that physical activity boosts brain function, attention, and memory. When children move, they process information more effectively and develop problem-solving skills. Even short bursts of activity can improve focus in subsequent lessons.
Incorporating movement also supports wellbeing. Children who might struggle with attention, confidence, or anxiety often benefit from lessons that allow them to engage physically. By embedding these opportunities in everyday learning, we create a more inclusive environment where all children can thrive.
In our primary curriculum, for example, we deliberately prioritise movement, structuring the timetable to give children time to move, explore, and interact physically with their learning.
Practical Kinaesthetic learning across subjects
Academy21 teachers and leaders have seen the value of hands-on, interactive experiences in making learning more engaging and getting students to understand concepts better. Here’s exactly how we incorporate kinaesthetic learning into our classes:
1. Mathematics: Hinge questions and manipulatives
Maths can feel abstract, but using manipulatives makes concepts tangible. In our lessons, students work with counters, number rods, algebra tiles, or geometric shapes to explore addition, fractions, and equations.
We pair manipulatives with hinge questions – short, formative multiple-choice questions designed to check understanding in real time. For instance, after exploring fractions with rods, students answer a quick hinge question to see if they can identify equivalent fractions. If misconceptions appear, the teacher can adapt the next activity immediately. This combination of movement and responsive teaching helps students internalise concepts and remain engaged, even in an online setting.
2. Science: Virtual experiments and exploration
Science is about curiosity and experimentation. Even in online science lessons, students can engage physically with concepts through simulations, virtual labs, and home-based experiments.
For example, Academy21 students might manipulate variables in a virtual circuit simulation, track plant growth from home, or replicate chemical reactions using safe household items. Teachers guide students in real-time, prompting them to observe, measure, and record results. Through these hands-on experiences, students connect theory with practice, develop scientific thinking, and build confidence in experimenting independently.
3. Arts: Creativity in action
Art naturally lends itself to physical engagement. Our IGCSE art and design course includes live demonstrations, collaborative projects, and activities where students manipulate materials, explore mixed media, or embody ideas through movement.
Students might act out concepts from a painting, design a 3D model, or explore shapes and colour through movement-inspired exercises. By interacting physically with ideas and materials, children strengthen creativity, problem-solving, and confidence. Watching how students develop ideas with their hands and bodies also gives teachers valuable insight into engagement and understanding.
4. Literature: Bringing stories to life
Even in literature classes, kinaesthetic strategies can enhance learning. Students engage with texts through role-play, drama, and movement-based storytelling.
When exploring historical poems or novels, learners might act out key scenes, explore character motivations physically, or recreate settings. Multimedia tools like audiobooks, film adaptations, and virtual tours make narratives more tangible.
For instance, Academy21 students walk through a virtual Globe Theatre while discussing Shakespeare or explore the sights and sounds of a location tied to a poem. These activities deepen comprehension, spark discussion, and help students connect emotionally with texts.
Benefits beyond academics
Kinaesthetic learning offers much more than improved understanding of academic content. At Academy21, we’ve seen it bring a whole range of benefits to the students we teach:
- Building confidence and resilience: Manipulating materials, trying experiments, or participating in movement-based activities allows students to experience small successes that reinforce perseverance. Over time, these experiences help students develop a growth mindset, equipping them to approach challenges in both learning and life with confidence.
- Developing social and collaborative skills: Many movement-based or hands-on tasks involve working in pairs or groups. Whether constructing a science model or collaborating on an arts project, children practise communication, negotiation, and teamwork. This is especially valuable for students who are shy or have struggled socially, as active participation provides a natural, low-pressure way to engage.
- Expressing ideas creatively: Movement, role-play, and hands-on exploration allow students to embody concepts in ways that purely verbal or written methods cannot. Acting out a story, representing a scientific process with props, or exploring colour and shape in arts activities helps children connect with content emotionally and imaginatively.
- Regulating energy and emotions: Physical engagement provides an outlet for restless energy, reduces stress, and improves focus during sedentary tasks. For children managing anxiety or attention difficulties, kinaesthetic activities provide structured ways to release tension while remaining cognitively engaged.
Key takeaways for leaders
Fostering a learning environment that encourages movement and hands-on engagement is as much about leadership as it is about individual lessons. School leaders can prioritise professional development, ensuring teachers feel confident designing lessons that integrate physical activity, manipulatives, or collaborative exploration. You can also structure timetables and classroom spaces to allow flexible learning, balancing quiet, reflective work with movement-based activities that support attention, focus, and engagement across the school day.
If your school is working with or thinking about working with an Alternative Provision to support students facing vulnerabilities, it’s important to choose a provider that incorporates kinaesthetic activities into their lessons. Both the teachers and the lesson structure itself should give students the time and space to explore, experiment, and engage actively with the content, helping them learn in a more hands-on, meaningful way.
Every year, Academy21 supports thousands of students across England and Wales, from Key Stage 2 to 5. Our live, interactive lessons and practical, hands-on approaches in subjects from maths and science to the arts help students develop a newfound love for learning, but also the resilience, independence, and problem-solving skills they need to reintegrate successfully into mainstream school and continue their academic journeys.
If you would like to explore more about what we do, our curriculum or wellbeing support, please reach out to our team below.
