Learning styles and your child

Learning Styles and Your Child

Learning Styles and Your Child- Do you know your child’s learning styles?  Learning is not one-size-fits-all.  Your child has a prevalent learning style and it may not partner with yours.  Start by identifying your child’s learning styles.

There are the 3 basic Learning Styles.  Is your Child:

  1. an Auditory learner?  Tell Me.
  2. a Kinesthetic learner?  Let Me.
  3. a Visual learner?  Show Me.

Auditory learners prefer listening to directions over reading them Auditory learners may like to recite information out loud while reading Auditory learners may like background music while reading OR they may need a quiet space while reading Kinesthetic learners rely on doing and touching for learning Kinesthetic learners may have trouble sitting still while reading and studying Kinesthetic learners are better able to understand information by writing it down or doing hands-on activities Visual learners can process information by reading, looking at pictures and graphics, or watching a demonstration Visual learners may grasp information presented in a chart or graph but may grow impatient listening to an explanation.

“Most people use a combination of styles but they have a clear preference for one.  A preferred learning style may change however, as your child grows.  A child will be better prepared if they practice using all the learning styles.  Being aware of your child’s learning style can strengthen parent-child relationships.  It is very empowering to families to really understand each other and how they learn, think, and work out problems.”  [Optimistic Outcomes with Maureen McKay] 

Learning styles and your child   Parents, try these HOMEWORK TIPS: Strategies for Auditory Learner Styles: about 30% of the population prefer this style

  • Talk to themselves or with others about what they’re learning
  • Recite important information out loud and even record it and play it back
  • Read a book and listen to the audio book at the same time
  • Read questions out loud to them
  • Receive instructions verbally
  • Set information to a tune and sing it to help remember it
  • Limit distracting noises-Use ear plugs or earphones to filter noise
  • Like to hum
  • Enjoy dialogue, plays, and drama

Strategies for Kinesthetic Learner Styles:  about 5% of the population prefer this style

  • While reading out loud, track the words on a page with a finger or pointer made out of a straw, or pencil with a cute eraser top
  • Write things down several times to commit to memory
  • Highlight with a highlighter pen or underline important information
  • Use the sense of touch
  • Type information to reinforce it
  • Play with a stress ball or toy while reading or studying
  • Walk or exercise while learning, they enjoy moving to music
  • Take frequent breaks as they do not enjoy watching or listening to presentations
  • Do hands-on activities like building models, playing games, role play

Strategies for Visual Learner Styles:  about 65% of the population prefer this style

  • Use flash cards
  • Use study flow charts, tables, maps, film, and diagrams
  • Draw illustrations and graphics
  • Use visualization when memorizing information
  • Give written instructions and lists
  • Do not talk at length as they get impatient listening for long periods
  • Highlight and underline
  • Take detailed notes
  • Color-code information

 

 

 

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