My focus will be on kinesthetic learning in the special education curriculum. With so many levels of learning disabilities within a classroom, it is important to find a method of communication that goes beyond the pencil and worksheet. Kinesthetic learners don’t fully process auditory and visual cues, causing difficulty with most traditional lessons. Kinesthetic strategies offer educators a bridge to close the gap for many students who learn predominantly through touch, play and motion. These strategies can help children who find reading and writing, not to mention sitting still, a major challenge.
I first became interested in the topic while working with a 16 year old boy diagnosed with Fragile X who has difficulty retaining information. One difficulty was learning the names of the days of the week. We started kicking the soccer ball while calling out the names of the days in order, and through this process he eventually (over many weeks) learned something he had been having difficulty remembering. It was a simple exercise that had a successful result and helped him overcome a challenge. The content of the website will include general information on kinesthetics as well as, tools in the classroom for kinesthetic learners. I hope to provide insight on the types of manipulatives and adaptive lessons plans that work best with these students.
I first became interested in the topic while working with a 16 year old boy diagnosed with Fragile X who has difficulty retaining information. One difficulty was learning the names of the days of the week. We started kicking the soccer ball while calling out the names of the days in order, and through this process he eventually (over many weeks) learned something he had been having difficulty remembering. It was a simple exercise that had a successful result and helped him overcome a challenge. The content of the website will include general information on kinesthetics as well as, tools in the classroom for kinesthetic learners. I hope to provide insight on the types of manipulatives and adaptive lessons plans that work best with these students.
