What’s Your Child’s Learning Style?

What’s Your Child’s Learning Style?

getty_rf_photo_of_boy_doing_homeworkAs a parent or caregiver, understanding your child’s learning style can greatly aid when assisting with studies or homework.

Very simply, people process information differently and the learning process is different for each person. There are three main learning types:  visual, auditory or kinesthetic. Understanding these learning types can help you to best support your child’s needs when they seek assistance.

Visual learners prefer having demonstrations, diagrams, handouts, videos, charts, and other types of pictorial items that assist them with comprehending the concept they are learning. Written instructions or lists are generally helpful for them as well. A simple cue that your child is a visual learner can be statements such as “can you show me” or “is there a picture I can see?”

Auditory learners learn by listening. They usually are the kids that can learn every word to a song after listening to it just once or twice. They will ask to discuss a subject or request you tell them about the subject.

Kinesthetic learners are the hands-on type. They utilize their senses and need to touch, hold, feel, or literally be hands-on with the learning experience to best gain their knowledge. And, yes, these are the learners that never seem to read the instructions first.

Another important fact is that most do actually learn using a variety of the above styles, but tend to prefer a certain method. Knowing and understanding a child’s preferred learning method can help you keep your child optimistic when it comes to learning. Be creative when possible. For example, if your child is a kinesthetic learner and is reluctant to study spelling words, use a baking sheet and some colored sugar and have them spell the words in the sugar to make it a creative and fun experience.

Ultimately, stay positive and understand that each person learns differently. Although your child’s preferred learning method may be different than yours, recognize their needs and provide support to aid them. Remember, teachers and school counselors can be a great resource, too.