Learning styles are simply various approaches or ways of learning. While some people are auditory and learn by hearing, others may learn more effectively by visualizing or seeing pictures in order to retain images. Still others learn by physically manipulating an object to fully understand them. Knowing your child’s learning style will help you select the best curriculum suited for your child and also help you develop coping strategies to compensate for their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths. There is no right or wrong learning style. Most children show a preference for one of the following basic learning styles: visual, auditory, kinesthetic/ manipulative. It is not uncommon to show a combination of two learning styles; the primary and secondary learning style. Parents also show a preference for one of these learning styles. It is not unusual for parents to prefer a different style of learning than their child. In order to work effectively with your child it is important to understand your own learning style. Go here to take a free learning style quiz. Go here to see a chart identifying the different styles.
We all know that no two people learn the same way, so it will definitely benefit you and your child to identify his unique learning style and adapt your curriculum to fit his needs. Perhaps you have a visual/tactile child who enjoys playing online games. What if your child enjoys reading, writing stories, solitary activities, or playing word games? Then consider learning activities and experiences that incorporate those types of learning skills. If your child can’t sit still for long and prefers socializing, playing group games, or being out-of-doors, take that into consideration when you select his curriculum. Depending upon your observations, your child may best learn from visual, auditory, or tactile experiences. He may best benefit from short, to-the-point lessons, or he may be more project-oriented. If you have a little artist in your midst, then he may need illustrations, diagrams, maps, or models incorporated into his curriculum. Take time to jot your observations down and adjust his curriculum to fit his learning needs.
