Understanding your child’s learning style(s): A short guide for parents
As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their education. However, every child learns differently, and understanding how your child absorbs, processes, and retains information can make a world of difference in their academic success and confidence. This is where the concept of learning styles has a serious effect on your child’s educational journey.
Learning styles refer to the preferred ways in which individuals take in and process information. By identifying your child’s learning style (or combination of styles), you can tailor their study habits, homework routines, and even extracurricular activities to suit their strengths.
There are four main types of learning styles, and in this article we are going to examine each one and then have a look at how you can discover your own child’s particular preferences in this area.
1. Visual Learners
Characteristics of Visual Learners:
- Enjoy drawing, doodling, and looking at charts or graphs.
- Prefer written instructions over verbal ones.
- Often have a good sense of direction and remember landmarks easily.
Example: Imagine children having a lesson on understanding the solar system. A visual learner would benefit from studying a detailed diagram of the planets, watching an animation of their orbits, or creating a colourful poster that illustrates the solar system’s layout. The visual representation helps them process and retain the information.
Tips to Support Visual Learners:
- Use flashcards, mind maps, or color-coded notes to help them organize information.
- Encourage the use of visual aids, such as videos or illustrated books.
- Create a study environment with minimal visual distractions.
2. Auditory Learners
Auditory learners excel when they hear information. They benefit from listening to lectures, discussions, and verbal explanations.
Characteristics of Auditory Learners:
- Enjoy listening to stories, music, or podcasts.
- Prefer verbal instructions and discussions over reading.
- May talk through problems to better understand them.
Example: For the same solar system lesson, an auditory learner might enjoy listening to a teacher explain the relationships between planets, perhaps through a storytelling format. They could also benefit from discussing the topic with their classmates or listening to a podcast about space exploration.
Tips to Support Auditory Learners:
- Encourage them to read aloud or explain concepts in their own words.
- Use rhymes, songs, or mnemonic devices to help with memorization.
- Provide access to audiobooks or record lectures for playback.
3. Kinaesthetic Learners
Kinaesthetic learners thrive on hands-on experiences and physical activity. They learn by doing rather than by listening or observing.
Characteristics of Kinaesthetic Learners:
- Prefer active participation, like building models or conducting experiments.
- Often have difficulty sitting still for long periods.
- Learn best through trial and error.
Example: For the solar system, a kinaesthetic learner might build a 3D model using balls and sticks to represent planets and their orbits. By physically constructing and manipulating the model, they can better understand the spatial relationships and movement within the solar system.
Tips to Support Kinesthetic Learners:
- Incorporate movement into learning, such as using role-play or interactive games.
- Allow frequent breaks during study sessions to move around.
- Use tactile tools like puzzles, clay, or interactive digital apps.
4. Reading/Writing Learners
Reading/writing learners excel through written words. They prefer working with text, whether reading books or writing notes.
Characteristics of Reading/Writing Learners:
- Enjoy reading books, taking notes, and writing essays.
- Prefer written instructions and often create detailed to-do lists.
- Absorb information best through text-heavy materials.
Example: For the solar system lesson, a reading/writing learner would likely excel by reading a detailed article or textbook chapter about the planets. They might take thorough notes, write summaries, or create a structured essay explaining the topic.
Tips to Support Reading/Writing Learners:
- Provide plenty of books, articles, and other reading materials on relevant topics.
- Encourage them to rewrite notes or summarize information in their own words.
- Suggest keeping a journal or using study guides.
How to Discover Your Child’s Learning Style
Now that we have a clearer idea of the different ways in which differebt children best process the same information, let’s take a look at how you can discover which learning style best suits your child.
Fully understanding your child’s learning style requires a mix of observation, experimentation, and open communication. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Observe Their Behaviours
Pay attention to how your child engages with the world around them. Do they gravitate towards drawing and colouring? Are they constantly humming a tune or asking questions? Do they enjoy building things or playing physical games? These tendencies can offer clues about their preferred learning style.
2. Experiment with Different Techniques
Introduce your child to a variety of learning methods and observe which ones resonate with them. For example:
- Show them a diagram and then read them a text passage.
- Have them listen to a podcast and then watch a video.
- Encourage hands-on activities like cooking or crafting.
Take note of what seems to “click” and what doesn’t.
3. Ask Them Directly
Sometimes, the simplest approach is the most effective. Talk to your child about how they feel they learn best. Questions like “Do you find it easier to understand things when you see pictures or when someone explains it to you?” can provide valuable insights.
4. Use Online Assessments
There are many free online tools and quizzes designed to help identify learning styles. While these tools aren’t definitive, they can provide a starting point for understanding your child’s preferences.
5. Consult Their Teachers
Teachers often have a unique perspective on how your child learns. They may notice patterns in your child’s classroom behaviour or academic performance that align with a specific learning style.
Embracing a Mix of Learning Styles
It’s important to remember that most children don’t fit neatly into one learning style. Many are a blend of two or more types. For example, your child might be primarily a visual learner but also benefit from hands-on activities. Embracing this flexibility can help you create a well-rounded approach to learning.
Practical Tips for Combining Styles
- Visual + Kinaesthetic: Use visual aids during hands-on activities, such as creating diagrams while building a model.
- Auditory + Reading/Writing: Encourage your child to read aloud or discuss what they’ve written.
- Kinaesthetic + Auditory: Incorporate movement into verbal exercises, such as spelling words while jumping rope.
By mixing and matching techniques, you can cater to your child’s unique strengths and needs.
Why Learning Styles Matter
Understanding your child’s learning style isn’t just about improving grades; it’s about building confidence and fostering a love of learning. When children feel that their unique ways of processing information are recognized and valued, they are more likely to stay motivated and engaged.
As parents, you play a crucial role in guiding your child’s educational journey. By identifying and supporting their learning style, you’re setting them up for success—not just in school but in life.
So take the time to observe, experiment, and adapt. Your efforts will not only help your child succeed academically but also nurture their self-esteem and curiosity about the world around them.
Richard Lyon
January 2025
PS: If you would like to comment on this article – to agree, disagree or add – please feel free to use the Comment Section below or, if you prefer, simply email me at richard@myexamslayer.co.za.