Understanding a child’s strengths and weaknesses when it comes to learning improves a child’s experience at school and their study habits at home. Does your child love reading and writing? Does your child have a knack for music? When your child tells a story, do they tend to use their whole body to describe what happened? Are they drawn to groups or do they prefer to work alone? These traits can you give a clue about your child’s learning style. A learning style is the method a person uses to learn and should be used to maximize learning. It’s important for you to understand your child’s learning style so you can help them find study methods, environments, and activities that help them learn best.
Visual - Visual learners prefer seeing pictures and images to learn new things. They usually have good spatial awareness skills. Kids with this learning style understand maps and have a good sense of direction. They usually love doodling and drawing. Study habits best for these learners are to write information down, underline or highlight as they read, and use colorful diagrams, charts, and pictures to enable them to visualize what they want to remember.
Auditory - Kids who are auditory learners are typically drawn to music. They may sing, play a musical instrument, or have the ability to pick individual musical instruments out of a piece of music. They may hum, sing, or tap their feet while they work. Using music and rhythm to remember information can be helpful for kids who have this learning style. It might also be helpful to record and play back things your child wants to remember or read and recite the information aloud.
Verbal - Kids with a verbal learning style can easily express themselves in both speaking and written communication. Verbal learners have a strong understanding of the meaning of words and will consistently seek out new words to master, which they will later use to communicate with others. Try using acronyms or reading information aloud while learning new things. Role-playing can also be helpful for the verbal learning style.
Physical - Kids who prefer using their bodies, hands, and sense of touch prefer the physical learning style. Many of these learners enjoy drama, dancing, woodworking, or exercise. They would rather go for a run or a walk when something is bothering them than sit at home and think it through. These kids use hand gestures and body language to communicate and are very aware of the world around them. Sitting and listening to a lecture can be a challenge for kids who prefer a physical learning style, so they will often fidget and look forward to when they can move around again. Try incorporating the physical objects they are learning about or allowing movement whenever possible. Writing, drawing, and using flashcards can also be helpful for kids who have this learning style. Frequent breaks can help the physical learner feel more prepared for study time. You can also try having them stand while reading, using a computer for studying, or making review into a gross-motor style game.
Logical - Kids with a logical learning style generally excel in math and critical thinking. They can recognize patterns and commonalities in seemingly unrelated content. They often understand and work out complex calculations in their head. Problems are usually tackled in a systematic way and they enjoy creating lists, agendas, charts, and procedures. Kids with this learning style will retain information if they understand the logic behind it. They need not simply memorize the information but try to understand the concepts and reasons for the information to retain long-term.
Social - People who are drawn to the social learning style love working in groups or participating in classes. They enjoy sharing their ideas with others and listening to what others think. Kids with this learning style are good at both verbal and nonverbal communication and understand others, as well. People typically like being around the social learner and seek their advice or input when faced with problems. They prefer to work through challenges in a group and will often be found staying after class to chat with friends. Kids with this learning style will enjoy role-playing, studying in groups, or sharing what they have learned with others.
Solitary - People with a solitary learning style often prefer working alone and enjoy thinking and reflecting on things. They tend to be independent, introspective, and private. They are good at focusing on a task and have strong concentration skills. They may also enjoy keeping a journal to reflect on personal thoughts and feelings. Kids with this learning style prefer to study alone in quiet spaces.
Understanding your child’s learning style is important so you can help them get the most out of their education while identifying any ways to handle challenges that may occur because of their preferred learning style. Also, you can use this information to your advantage to appeal to your child’s interests when learning new things. Don’t be surprised if your child has a combination of learning styles, as this is very common. When caring adults understand a child’s strengths and weaknesses when it comes to learning, it can only improve a child’s experience at school and their study habits at home.
Sarah is a wife and a mother of six children, including triplets.
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