Learning the Chinese language can be difficult, so it is important that you develop a proper learning strategy before you dive into your studies. Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences is a great theory to refer to when developing your learning strategy. The theory states that there are seven different types of learners, visual-spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, linguistic, and logical-mathematical. This article will focus on learning strategies for bodily-kinesthetic learners.

What are bodily: kinesthetic learners

Bodily-kinesthetic learners are people who are very much in touch with their bodies. They are good with their hands and enjoy using movement, making things, and touching objects. They can be found in a variety of professions, from dancers to surgeons. These are the type of people who tend to communicate as much with their body language as through spoken words. If you are one of these students, you will learn well through physical activity, role-playing, acting, and many other types of hands-on learning. You must incorporate physical objects and tools into your learning strategy.

Learning strategy 1

If you’re a bodily-kinesthetic learner, you need to get your hands on real objects, so when learning basic vocabulary words, do just that. For example, if you want to learn the names of basic kitchen items, start collecting those items and use them as study tools. Instead of using flashcards to memorize, say, the names of eating utensils, get real knives, forks, and chopsticks and put them in a box. Memorize their names by reaching into the box, pulling out an item, and reciting their name in Chinese.

Learning strategy 2

Role play is a powerful tool for anyone learning a foreign language. However, it is especially powerful for bodily-kinesthetic learners. If you are one of these students, you need to find a partner as soon as possible. There is an endless supply of role play activities when learning Chinese. For example, you can act like you’re in a restaurant, travel agency, or hotel. They can ask for directions or have mock business meetings. You can even spend a whole day together acting as tourists or tour guides, or whatever else you want. The important thing is to communicate as much as possible using Chinese.

Learning strategy 3

If you’re a bodily-kinesthetic learner, you’re good at acting, which means you’ll most likely make passionate speeches. You may or may not be a great speechwriter, but that’s not important here. The important thing is delivery. So what you can do is go online and search for famous speeches that have been translated into Chinese (there are many). Memorize the speeches and then give them to your friends and family.

Learning strategy 4

Building things is a powerful way for bodily-kinesthetic learners to remember things. How can this help you learn a language? Well, let’s say you want to learn how to talk about family in your target language. In fact, you can build a family tree. It doesn’t have to be too fancy or slow. You can use paper and other objects, or just draw a picture. It is the act of creating something with your hands that will help you learn.

Summary

If you are a bodily-kinesthetic learner, you need to be active. Don’t just sit at a desk and memorize vocabulary words. If you do, you will get bored and lose interest in your studies. Instead, collect physical objects and use them as study tools. Be sure to stay active, building, creating and taking action as you learn.