Does Your Childcare Know About Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence?
Did you know that around 15% of the population is strongly aligned with a kinesthetic learning style?
We all know that intelligence comes in many forms, but do you ever feel like your child’s type of intelligence isn’t being recognized?
They may have a unique way of learning and understanding the world around them, but it’s not always easy to find childcare that caters to your child’s specific needs.
Fortunately, there are childcare services out there that use Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences to better understand our strengths and weaknesses. One such form is Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence – an often overlooked yet powerful tool for learning and problem-solving.
Keep reading to learn more about bodily-kinesthetic characteristics and how it works here!
What Is Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence?
Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, as defined by psychologist Howard Gardner in his theory of multiple intelligences, is the ability to use one’s whole body or parts of their body to solve problems. It involves an understanding of physical movement and skillful coordination with objects and space.
Children who possess the bodily-kinesthetic learning style may have a knack for sports, dance, or any activity that involves physical dexterity and coordination. They may excel in activities such as martial arts, carpentry, musical performance, surgery, and more.
How to Know if Your Child is a Bodily-Kinesthetic Learner
Now that you know a bit more about bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, let’s explore what it looks like in the classroom. Your child might be a kinesthetic learner if:
They Have Good Muscle Memory
If your child can quickly pick up on physical activities, they likely have strong muscle memory. He/she might excel in learning activities that involve rhythm and movement such as dancing, playing musical instruments, or athletics.
Your Child Enjoys Physical Activity
Does your child enjoy being active more than most? Do they prefer physical activity to sit in a classroom? If so, then they likely have a strong bodily-kinesthetic intelligence. Your child might find it easier to understand and remember information if it is presented in the form of physical activities or movement.
Your Child is Good with Their Hands
Does your child like playing with Legos, building models, or doing other tasks that involve the use of their hands? If so, then you might have a kinesthetic learner. This intelligence involves being able to understand physical objects through touch and manipulation.
How Does This Affect Your Child’s Experience at School?
If you’re a bodily-kinesthetic learner, then it’s important to make sure that the childcare facility or school environment is tailored to suit their needs. Here are some tips:
The Childcare Facility Finds Opportunities to Move
It is important that the school you enroll your child in finds ways to incorporate movement into learning.
Will Teachers Take Breaks and Move Around?
Your child’s classroom should not be too stationary. It is important for the teachers at your child’s school to take regular breaks allowing children to move around or stretch. You’ll likely find that your child will be able to focus better and retain more information when you incorporate movement into their day.
Don’t Overlook Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
Are you looking for childcare that is familiar with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence? Reach out to us today to see how we can help.