Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic…
…the three biggies we were taught in our education classes and in numerous teacher conferences - these are the ways children learn.
Funny, I never fit into any of those categories.
Then researchers added in the “tactile connection”. Great! Now we have a category while feels like home to me.
Unfortunately, tactile learning is often squashed in with kinesthetic, as it involves touching - which is movement in a sense. But tactile learning is actually very different.
With a true tactile learner, there is something about the actual feel of an item that connects the brain’s circuits with the information to be learned.
We sometimes want children to sit still and listen and quit all movement while they’re reading, watching, or attending to a lecture or sermon. Tactile folks actually learn better if they can be fiddling with some squishy toy, piece of soft fabric, etc. That touch literally heightens the learning process for them and makes things “click”.
I am highly tactile. When I’m in a store, my hands are on unusually textured items constantly. I can be reading about a historical moment, and then touch something symbolic of that moment, and the whole essence of the learning comes alive for me. In that moment of touch, I “get it”.
Particular items I enjoy feeling of while I’m learning are soft blankets, chenille socks, squishy gel toys. But if you can use something symbolic of the learning activity, it’s even more powerful.
For instance, if you’re studying history, go to the cemetery and look for old stones, dating back to the 1700s. Telling the stories of the founding fathers of your town while tracing the faded names and dates can connect children to the reality of the past. These were real people, who really made some sort of difference in the world. What was it? What difference will I make?
When you study bees, capture a specimen, freeze it and touch the wings and body. If that freaks your child out, then buy some honeycomb - anything related to the subject that can be touched.
Spiritual Growth and Connection
Tactile methods work in the spiritual realm, too. For instance, last night I attended a prayer conference where there were prayer stations all around the perimeter of the room. One in particular drew me like a magnet. There was a small table set up with various tapestries and a cross standing in the center. Large pillar candles arranged among the folds of material added a feeling of calm.
I found myself in front of the table during the worship time, touching the fabric and connecting with the Father in a beautiful new way. The feel of the iron cross, the purple satin, the textured deep red fabric - the touch - connected me with Jesus’ heart.
Relating to Others
Tactile children also tend to relate to people and deepen relationships through physical touch. They’re the folks who are always touching loved ones on the shoulder, patting them on the arm, hugging, play wrestling, etc. Without that meaningful physical touch, there’s a feel of “disconnect” in the relationship.
Some children connect by seeing, some by hearing, some by moving around. Others must touch to learn. It’s one reason hands-on activities can be so powerful!
That’s the news for today!
Talk to you later!
Lisa
