Maths Mindset
Maths for kinaesthetic learners
Use movement, manipulatives and real objects.
Quick answer
Maths for kinaesthetic learners means using your body, hands, and real objects to learn maths – like moving, counting with toys, or drawing shapes in the sand. It’s about learning through doing, not just listening or writing.Learning outcome
By the end of this page, you will understand how to use your body, hands, and real things to learn maths – and why this helps you remember and enjoy maths more.Why this matters
Some children learn best when they can move, touch, and explore. This kind of learning helps you understand maths better, remember it longer, and feel more confident. Whether you're counting with your fingers, jumping to solve a problem, or building with blocks, you're using your body to help your brain learn. This way of learning maths works for all ages – from 4 to 12 – and helps you see how maths is all around you.How it works
Learning maths through movement and hands-on activities works because your brain connects physical actions to new ideas. When you move your hands to count, or use your feet to jump and count, you're building strong mental connections. Here’s how to do it step by step: 1. Use your body: Jump, walk, or move to show numbers or patterns. 2. Use objects: Count with toys, blocks, or food. 3. Draw or build: Make shapes or patterns with your hands or tools. 4. Play and explore: Turn maths into games or stories.Examples you can see
Here are some fun examples of how kinaesthetic learners can use their body and hands to learn maths: Example 1: Counting with your body You can count by jumping. If you're counting to 5, jump 5 times. Try jumping and clapping at the same time – that helps you count and remember numbers better. Example 2: Using blocks to learn multiplication To learn 3 x 4, make 3 rows of 4 blocks. Count all the blocks together. You will have 12 blocks. That’s the same as 3 groups of 4. Example 3: Drawing shapes with your hands Draw a square with your fingers in the air. Then draw a triangle. This helps you understand the difference between shapes. Example 4: Measuring with your feet Walk across the room and count how many steps it takes. Then try walking with a friend and compare how many steps each of you took. You’re measuring distance with your body!Try it as a mini adventure
Adventure: The Maths Treasure Hunt You are going on a treasure hunt. But to find the treasure, you must solve maths puzzles using your body and objects. 1st time: Jump forward 3 times to show the number 3. 2nd time: Clap 4 times to show 4. 3rd time: Use your hands to make a triangle in the air. 4th time: Find 5 small toys and put them in a row. 5th time: Count the toys and say the number out loud. 6th time: Draw a circle with your finger in the air. 7th time: Walk 6 steps to find the next clue. 8th time: Count how many steps you took. 9th time: Build a tower with 7 blocks. 10th time: Say the total number of blocks you used. You've used your body, hands, and objects to solve maths puzzles. That's how kinaesthetic learners work!Common mistakes
Mistake 1: Thinking that moving around is not learning. - Why it happens: Some people think you should sit still and write down answers. - Correct answer: Moving helps your brain learn better. Mistake 2: Not using objects to help with counting. - Why it happens: It's easy to forget numbers if you don't use something to count with. - Correct answer: Use toys, fingers, or blocks to help you count. Mistake 3: Thinking you can't learn maths without a textbook. - Why it happens: Some kids think they must do maths the same way as others. - Correct answer: There are many ways to learn maths – and moving is one of them.Parent and carer guide
Parents and carers can help kinaesthetic learners by: - Encouraging movement during maths time – like jumping, walking, or dancing to count. - Providing hands-on tools like blocks, counters, or drawing materials. - Turning maths into games or real-life situations – like cooking or shopping. - Letting children explore and make mistakes – that’s how they learn. - Praising effort, not just the right answer – this builds confidence. Try this at home: - Let your child count by jumping or clapping. - Use toys or food to show how groups work. - Draw shapes or patterns with your hands or a stick in the sand. - Talk about how you use maths in daily life – like when you measure ingredients or count steps.Practice questions
- Jump 4 times and clap 3 times. How many actions did you do?
- Use 5 blocks to make 1 row. Then make 2 more rows like that. How many blocks are there in total?
- Draw a square with your finger in the air. How many sides does it have?
- Walk 6 steps forward, then 3 steps back. How many steps forward did you take?
- Count 8 toys and put them in a line. How many toys are there?
FAQ
What is kinaesthetic learning?
Kinaesthetic learning is learning through movement, touch, and doing. It helps children understand maths better when they use their body and hands.
Can all children learn maths this way?
Yes! All children can benefit from using their body and hands to learn. It’s just one way to learn, not the only way.
How can I make maths fun for kinaesthetic learners?
You can make maths fun by turning it into games, using your hands to draw shapes, or counting with toys and food.
Is this different from regular maths?
No, it’s the same maths – just learned through movement and hands instead of just writing or listening.
What are some easy ways to start kinaesthetic maths at home?
Try jumping to count, using your fingers, drawing shapes, or using toys to show groups and patterns.