Kinesthetic Learning: How Movement Boosts Early Childhood Education

When kids learn by doing—running, building, dancing, or even squirming in their seats—they’re using kinesthetic learning, a learning style where physical activity helps the brain process and remember information. Also known as tactile-learning, it’s not just about fidgeting. It’s how toddlers figure out balance by climbing, how preschoolers learn letters by tracing them in sand, and why a child who can’t sit still might actually be learning better than the one who can. At Nottingham Nursery School, we don’t fight movement—we use it. Because science shows that kids who move while learning remember more, focus longer, and develop motor skills faster.

That’s why child development, the process of growing physically, emotionally, and cognitively during early years here isn’t just about flashcards or quiet time. It’s about role-playing grocery shopping to practice counting, using blocks to understand shapes and gravity, or acting out stories to grasp cause and effect. These aren’t games. They’re structured, intentional activities designed to connect the body and brain. And it works. Kids who learn this way don’t just recall facts—they understand them. They also build confidence. When a child figures out how to stack towers without them falling, they’re not just learning physics. They’re learning persistence, problem-solving, and self-trust.

Some people think sitting still equals learning. But if your child is always fidgeting, loves to touch everything, or remembers songs better than instructions, they might be a natural kinesthetic learner. This isn’t a behavior problem. It’s a learning preference. And ignoring it can make school feel frustrating, even when the child is bright. That’s why we pair movement-based learning, the intentional use of physical activity to reinforce cognitive skills with observation. We watch how each child engages, then adapt. One child might learn colors by sorting laundry. Another might master counting by jumping on numbered mats. No two kids learn the same way—and that’s okay. In fact, it’s better than okay. It’s how real learning happens.

At Nottingham Nursery School, we don’t force kids into one-size-fits-all routines. We design spaces where climbing, building, dancing, and even running in place are part of the curriculum. We know that when kids use their whole bodies to learn, they’re not just burning energy—they’re building neural pathways that last. This approach doesn’t replace reading or talking. It enhances it. A child who acts out a story remembers the sequence better. A child who builds a bridge with wooden blocks understands weight and balance before they ever see a math textbook.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real examples of how kinesthetic learning shows up in everyday preschool life—not as a buzzword, but as a tool. You’ll see how it connects to other learning styles, why it matters for kids with different needs, and how simple activities at home can make a big difference. No theory. No fluff. Just practical ways to help your child learn better—by moving, touching, and doing.