Kinesthetic Learning & the Mechanics of Readability

Pairing traditional written and spoken word with interactive prop boards, Readability’s storytelling sessions offer a delightful experience for all the senses. Well, almost all the senses (candy can be a choking hazard). This unique experience is not commonly offered—or seen, even—at local libraries, much less parks and festivals. But for an organization tailored towards an intellectually diverse audience, such has been the standard. From glittering sand molds to rainbow pinata heads to scented silicone fruit baskets, Readability has it all. Their events are infused with laughter (and for good reason), yet their signature storyboards carry more than just fun and games.

Fun and games. Seeing little kids bouncing around, tickling, and scraping their fingers across the prop boards, it’s hard to call this experience anything but. A pedantic neuroscientist, however, may offer a different term to describe such fun: kinesthetic learning.

What is Kinesthetic Learning?

Kinesthetic learning is a type of learning that involves physical, hands-on activity. It allows learners to pair informative cognitive processes with visual experiences. A common example would be learning to ride a bike. If you tried explaining the process to a ten-year-old child with an amalgamation of words and hand signs, odds are, they would not be able to ride a bike. That’s why you get them to sit on one (with training wheels, perhaps) and try it out for themselves.

The Benefits of Kinesthetic Learning

Kinesthetic learning forces one to actively apply knowledge by engaging with their immediate environment. Heaps and heaps of research prove that kinesthetic learning improves memory retention, engagement, and creativity.

Kinesthetic learning is especially beneficial for neurodivergent children, as it stimulates multiple senses. It is the most commonly cited preferred form of learning among autistic individuals, especially those who thrive off movement and output. Granted, some neurodivergent children learn better with visuals; others, with sounds. Combining these three elements (kinesthetic, visual, auditory) provides for the most comprehensive learning experience, and Readability actively seeks to do this.

For a closer look at kinesthetic learning in action, we invite you to attend one of Readability's many year-round events at local libraries, museums, and book festivals; it's a whirlwind learning experience with a hands-on approach to stimulate the senses. You won't want to miss out!