Do you Know your Child’s Learning Style?

Learning is not one-size-fits-all; each individual has their own unique learning style. Learning is a complex process that requires new information to be acquired, processed, and applied. Once you determine the best way in which your child processes information,you can use this as a guide for teaching. Appealing to your child’s primary learning style will facilitate faster comprehension, longer retention, and may even cut down on the time spent teaching a particular topic (phew!)
There are four main cognitive styles:
  1. Visual—this type of learner will learn best by seeing information and being able to visualize it in their mind.
  2. Auditory—this type of learner will learn best by listening to information and repeating it.
  3. Kinesthetic—this type of learner will learn best by a hands-on approach.
  4. Read/Write—this type of learner will learn best by reading written information and summarizing it in words.

Below are some suggestions and ideas of how you can implement this into your homeschooling.

Visual Learners
  • Lessons should be accompanied by visual aids
  • Use images, charts, and diagrams to present information
  • Provide some sort of written material that child can follow along with while you are talking
  • Help child paint mental pictures through your speech and word usage
  • Have child utilize flash cards for memorization
  • Avoid distracting environments
  • Focus on conveying the main concept before honing in on fine details
Auditory Learners
  • Information and directions should be presented verbally in an organized fashioned
  • Allow child to verbally summarize the main points of the lesson
  • Experiment with the use of background noise while you are speaking
  • Have child utilize verbal repetition for memorization
  • Play sound clips to reinforce information
  • Engage in discussions about material
Kinesthetic Learners
  • Present information through demonstrations
  • Allow child to discuss and solve problems
  • Allow child to demonstrate answers rather than write or explain them
  • Plan plenty of field trips
  • Change the environment you are teaching in throughout the day, and take lots of breaks
  • Allow child to learn while moving around or work while standing
Read/Write Learners
  • Write keywords or lists of ideas to present information
  • Allow child to take notes during discussions
  • Include summary statements on visual aids such as graphs or tables
  • Allow child to express answers and explain things in writing
  • Have child repeatedly rewrite information for memorization
Discovering your child’s primary learning style may take some time and careful observation on your part. Individuals are most often a mix of learning types so if your child is primarily auditory, don’t be afraid to include visual or kinesthetic elements in your plans. Variation keeps things interesting and engaging. Below are some stereotypical characteristics of each learner that may help you distinguish your child’s primary style.
Visual Learners
  • Talk fast
  • Impatient
  • Tendency to interrupt
  • Read body language well
Auditory Learners
  • Natural listener
  • Speak slowly
  • Prefer to have things explained, rather than read them
  • Highly attuned to different aspects of speech
Kinesthetic Learners
  • Speak slowly (the slowest of all of the learners)
  • Make decisions slowly
  • Utilize all senses in learning
  • Prefer group work
  • Usually exceptional at math and science
Read/Write Learners
  • Enjoy reading and writing
  • Prefer multiple choice assessments
Which learning style best suits your child?
Angelina

Wife and mother beginning the lifelong journey as a home educator. Lover of all things science, Umm Laylah has six years of combined undergraduate and graduate studies in the sciences with a specialized focus on veterinary medicine. She has over ten years of experience working in laboratories and veterinary hospitals with a strong background in scientific and technical writing. Umm Laylah enjoys reading, crafting, and quiet evenings with family.