iPad for Kinesthetic Learners

Many of the apps available for iPhone, and iPod touch, are also available to use with the iPad.  I have loved the opportunity for my kids, in all age ranges, to try some of the hands on activities with iPhone, but one of the challenges, from my perspective, is the screen size.  Truth be told, the screen is hard on Mom's eyes, and being that I was the type of tween who would read at night, even when we were on the road, squeezing every word into the moments that I had street lights to see by, I know that a tween bent on doing, reading, or playing will not regard eye strain as serious. 

iPad 2, the Latest in Touchscreen Devices from Apple
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The range of apps is amazing, and though there are many companies working on tablet PC's in their own formats, I am very taken with Apple, especially for the multisensory experience it provides to all learners, and especially to kinesthetic learners.  I have children who are primarily auditory learners, and apps for the iPhone and iPad appeal to their ability to absorb most effectively with sound and audio.  I have children who are primarily visual learners, and they tend to do quite well with apps, whether games, or educational, because they process what they see, so well.  I have a couple of children who are primarily hands on, or kinesthetic learners, and the interactivity of Apple devices is perfect for them.  This is one of the toughest learning styles to instruct, but the interactive nature of tablet pc's and touchscreen devices, such as iPad and iPhone, make them extremely valuable learning tools.

At the tween age, it's tremendously difficult to adapt classroom instruction to effectively reach all learning modalities, given the time constraints and curriculum requirements.  However, as a parent, you have the ability to supplement your child's learning with touchscreen technology.  Invest some time in exploring apps that are available for various learning areas, and spend some time exploring together.  A game here and there won't hurt, and may provide a little motivation for the youngster who has some aversions to learning.  But then, take time to explore educational apps, as well, whether you do math teasers, vocabulary builders, or
Spanish vocabulary lessons.  Use the iPad as an ereader, as well...you have your choice of Kindle books, Nook books, or iBooks...all have apps that will work with iPad, and all have a huge selection of public domain works, free of cost.  iPad is a great learning enhancement tool, perfect for supplementing learning during the school year, or for averting learning loss in the summer.


First generation iPads are still available, at a discounted price, in comparison to iPad 2.  Whether you have a minimal learning materials and educational budget, or an extensive one, iPad is outstanding.  Be sure to check out some of the user reviews of iPad 2.

If you love the idea of a tablet computer for your kinesthetic tween, but don't feel good about the cost of iPad 2, be sure to check out the newly announced Kindle Fire, a tablet/ereader/multimedia touchscreen tool.