Tactile Learning Strategies
Tactile learning, or kinesthetic learning, is a learning style through which a student explores and understands content by way of touch. These learners benefit from hands-on learning experiences that allow them to hold, feel, and control manipulatives.
At earlier grade levels, many teachers depend on tactile learning strategies in order to cultivate engagement, anchor concentration or focus, and make a classroom bright, colorful, and fun. For instance, perhaps a teacher will have students hold batons to “clap out” syllables in longer words. Additionally, teachers will employ the use of small chips to help students understand numbers or conceal letters when using Elkonin boxes during letter-sound correspondence instruction.
As children age, hands-on learning transforms. Hands-on learning environments become more prevalent by discipline. In science and physical education classrooms, the ability to touch, manipulate, and modify implements is a mainstay. In other classrooms, where more traditional paper-and-pen models are often depended upon more heavily, students may not have as many opportunities. However, we know there’s more movement to meet the needs of Gen Z, Gen Alpha, and upcoming Beta, as these learners demand hands-on experiences that appeal to their senses!
Corgan Education Design Research Specialist, Chloe Hosid says that for current and future generations, “Learning is a contextualized process that [must be] student-led, hands-on, and driven by organic moments of inquiry and discovery.”
Characteristics of Tactile Learners
Tactile learners require and love movement, space, and hands-on approaches to learning. These students may gravitate towards items where they can dig, play, create, tinker, and experiment. They are inclined to see how things work, fit together, and like to try tasks independently.
A hands-on learner will often inquire, “Let me try?” or “Give it to me? I want to try.” This eagerness comes from their desire to learn by doing.
Tactile Learning Strategies and Examples for Educators and Parents
If you want tactile or kinesthetic learners to learn how to do something, show them how to do it first, and then have them practice independently (as you cheer them on!). Similarly, you can also learn something together. In one-on-one scenarios, the learner will mimic what the teacher/ parent is showing them.
Such hands-on, tactile experiences will activate their aptitude for touch and movement, helping
them learn through the act of using their senses.
You may be wondering what this looks like at home or school. Well, it involves a bit of collaboration between the teacher/ parent and learner/ child.
Tactile Learning Tips
Engage with your learner: It’s important to observe and ask a learner how they prefer to learn. You may feel you can tell just by watching, but empowering a child through discussion can also help them understand how they learn best. Ask them: “How do you like to learn?” “What are your favorite activities in the classroom?” Think of all the insight you’ll glean from these simple questions.
Be prepared to model: In order to engage a child in tactile learning, model what it is that you want them to do. Do this and think out loud; express what you’re doing and relay this as a process. Like this:
“First, I’m going to find my toothbrush. Then, I’m going to put toothpaste on the bristles of the toothbrush, but not too much. Finally, I’ll brush my teeth for about three minutes. After I’m done, I’ll rinse my brush under the faucet and turn it off before leaving the bathroom. I’ll show you first, and then I want you to try on your own.”
Each step is organized and follows steps delivered in bite-size pieces. As mentioned, a tactile learner can also learn alongside or with you as you show them how to do something. Knowing what works best for your learner is of the utmost consideration, above all.
Keep tools in your toolkit: If your child prefers tactile learning, be sure to create an environment that is rich in resources. If a child learns from home, keep blocks, chips, balls, and dry erase boards handy. If you’re a teacher, stock your cabinets with implements that can facilitate tactile engagement.
Remember, not all tools have to be especially fancy, branded, or packaged and Pinterest-perfect. Don’t forget about objects like beads, cotton swabs, cotton balls, and like products to make hands-on learning readily available. Don’t forget to source from friends, other classrooms, thrift stores, and crafts stores for clever, affordable, and sustainable repurposing! And of course, consider all opportunities that will facilitate exploration. Will a field trip stoke curiosity and engagement? How about learning in a new space, like the library, community, or even outside? Don’t forget to leverage your local resources.
Study Techniques for Tactile Learners
Tactile learners crave hands-on tools and implements they can move, manipulate, and slide around on surfaces. In addition to traditional index and flash cards, here are a few more 21st century learning options that can pique the interests and aptitudes of a kinesthetic learner.
- Hexagonal Thinking: Teachers and parents can purchase or create laminated hexagons that allow students to write down ideas and find connections. Rather than using traditional flash cards, hexagons require that a learner make connections between pieces, creating a honeycomb of interconnected ideas.
- Make Space for Movement: Tactile learners can be encouraged to walk or pace as they review. Teachers and parents can also make clever use of wall space by randomizing and writing vocabulary, questions, or other content on index cards that can be collected via a scavenger-hunt-style activity.
- Create Visuals: In order to review content, learners can create paper-based or digital visuals in order to hunt-and-gather graphics and photos that help them remember and learn content.
- Gamify When You Can: Can you make clever use of a basketball court, hopscotch grid, or other space? Consider the benefits of alternating opportunities to play with opportunities for learning!
- Don’t Forget the Props and Pieces: Having students use props, create dioramas bursting with mini pieces, or other 3-D visuals can appeal to those who are tactile. Building and constructing will attach them to experiences that are hands-on and memorable.
Supporting Tactile Learners
Supporting tactile learners is important, especially if those learners experience a great deal of static seat time. Designing and determining dynamic plans and strategies for movement can be especially helpful in these cases. Small, inconspicuous fidget gadgets and quick strolls in the back of a learning space can be critical for sustaining focus and academic success.
By talking with tactile learners about tips and strategies for how they learn best, you can be responsive and understand exactly what they need.
If you are a parent or teacher who is interested in learning about tactile tools, collaborate with the learner and others in order to determine how to best support kinesthetic learners in your space!