What is body smart?

This intelligence covers movement and learning by doing. It is the capacity to learn and think by using the whole body or parts of it, such as hands, fingers, etc.

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What are some personality qualities of body smart people?

Body smart people learn best by getting up, moving around, and doing. They think best when moving and working muscles. They enjoy things such as sports, dance, hands-on experiments and building things.

What are some activities and technologies that would help body smart people in a learning environment?

Nike + iPod - This is a great way for those inclined to walking and/or running to track their progress. A teacher/facilitator could have contests or track classroom progress with charts and other tools. It’s also a great way to teach health and wellness and have a virtual PE class. See more at Apple’s Nike + iPod site.

SmartMoves – This DVD provides “Body Puzzles for the Mind.” This highly researched activity improves focus and attention in students as well as calming restless students who can never seem to sit still. I have used it in workshops with adults as a great transition tool. It provides them activity and movement and something unique most of them have not experienced. It is a fun activity that spurs conversation and motivation. Find out more at the SmartMoves website.

Wii – The Wii gaming console is a unique system that gets students off the couch, moving and thinking as they progress through the many challenges the endless games Nintendo and other third party game developers have created. Some games, like Smarty Pants, have an inherent educational component and yet others challenge the facilitator to come up with educational value. One can use Wii Bowling, for example, to teach mathematics and graphing. For more educational games and ideas, visit Super Smart Games.

Mobiles/Handhelds – I add this category because I think the mobile technology allows us to get out in the field and collect data or do experiments. Anything from digital cameras, to GPS units, to cell phones and iPod Touches with the vast array of applications can get the kinesthetic learner moving and learning. See what the Horizon Report – K12 Edition has to say about the implication of mobile devices.

How important is it as facilitators to get our students up and moving? How often should we consider activities for this type of learner? What are some ideas you can implement to engage the body smart individual? Post your comments here.