Breathing Exercises for the Kinesthetic Learning Style

Does your child have a hard time sitting still? Or do they get bored while listening for long periods of time?

If so, it could be that your child is a kinesthetic learner.  And considering there 8 different types of intelligences, your child might just need their own kinesthetic learning style to settle down and concentrate.

RELATED: What Is Multiple Intelligences?

What is a Kinesthetic Learning Style? 

By definition, a kinesthetic learning style, “requires that you manipulate or touch material to learn. Kinesthetic-tactile techniques are used in combination with visual and/or auditory study techniques, producing multi-sensory learning.”

If your child or student is a kinesthetic learner, they like to learn through touch, movement, and motion. They make better use of their senses, hands, and entire body from head to toe.

RELATED: 3 Bad Breathing Habits for Kids (and What to Do Instead)

Characteristics of a Kinesthetic Learner

A kinesthetic learner is among approximately 5% of the population. These types of learners (whether we’re talking kids or adults) are the most engaged while moving.

They’ll benefit from learning styling that focuses on doing, moving, touching, or being active in some way.  

RELATED: Breathing Exercises for Kids: How to Make a Routine

Kinesthetic or “body smart” learners tend to:

1. Learn best through movement
2. Have a hard time sitting still 
3. Fidget often
4. Touch people or things
5. Enjoy physical activities 
6. Bounce their knee while sitting
7. Talk using their hands
8. Tap their pencil on their desk or click their pen
9. Think better while moving or exercising
10. Dislike feeling confined
11. Pace when nervous or before a challenge
12. Prefer writing pen to paper rather than typing them out
13. Have difficulty focusing for long periods of time
14. Excel in sports and performing arts
15. Express feelings physically such as hitting or hugging
16. Be considered hyperactive

3 Breathing Exercises for the Kinesthetic Learning Style

There are plenty of natural ways you can help your child learn to focus. 

Practicing hand-eye coordination works to regulate the mind and muscles for a more direct concentration . This can be done through activities such as playing catch, finger painting, or puzzles.

Playing charades or learning a craft such as sewing is a great way to practice patience and focus for older children with a kinesthetic learning style.

And then there are more routine concepts such as practicing martial arts or yoga. 

Yoga and mindfulness is a great place for your “body-smart” learner to start. It’s free and it only requires about 5-10 minutes per day.

Here are 3 of my favorite breathing exercises for the kinesthetic learner:

1. Woodchopper Breath (Developed by Yoga Calm®)

Here’s how it’s done!

An energizing breathing exercise to let go of excess energy and tension.  This is a great one to try just before a test to increase alertness. 

Benefits:

• Releases excess energy and tension
• Energize the nervous system 
• Build focus and concentration
• Strengthens the breathing muscles
• Empowering

2. Figure 8 Breath

This one can be done anywhere and anytime and combines deep diaphragmatic breathing with touch.  Trace a sideways number eight on your desk or lap.

How:

• Take a seat with your feet on the floor and shoulders relaxed
• Imagine a sideways number eight on your desk or lap
• Place your pointer finger in the middle of the sideways number 8
• Inhale through your nose and trace your finger around the first loop for 4 counts
• Pause in the middle for 1 count
• Exhale as you trace your finger around the second loop for 4 counts
• Pause in the middle for 1 count
• Repeat 3-5 times until you feel calm and focused

Benefits:

• Calms the nervous system
• Build focus
• Teaches diaphragmatic breathing
• Multisensory learning

3. Walking Zombie Breath

Pretend to be a zombie while breathing in rhythm to the breath.

• Stand up with a straight spine (optional-place BE Buddy on the head for added postural support) and extend your arms out in front of you like a zombie.
• Inhale through your nose for 2 counts as you take two steps forward.
• Exhale for 2 counts as you take two steps forward.
• Continue to safely walk around the room syncing your zombie breath to your steps.
• Find a rhythm that works for you and speed it up or slow it down as you desire, but try and stay in rhythm with your breath.

Benefits:

• Builds breath awareness
• Calms the nervous system
• Improves posture
• Builds focus and concentration
• Teaches controlled breathing