When it comes time for your child to do their homework, are you constantly fighting with them to sit still or turn off their favorite radio station or television show? If you're the type of person who needs complete quiet to read a book or retain valuable information, you might not understand your child has a different learning style. Here is some valuable information about the three most common learning styles, visual, auditory and kinesthetic, and what you can do to help your child reach their full potential by utilizing their unique learning style:
Understanding the Three Learning Styles
Every child is unique and will absorb and process information in different ways. For some kids, reading information from a book is the best way to retain knowledge. For others, they learn best by having a teacher explain the concept.
Here are a few of the most common characteristics of the three main learning styles:
Auditory – Auditory learners tend to absorb and retain information when it is spoken to them. They often excel at oral presentations and ace oral tests and reports. Many auditory learners also love music, language and the arts.
Visual – Visual learners are those who learn best straight from their text books. They often retain knowledge best from flash cards, charts, maps and diagrams. Visual learners are also typically great at memorizing information.
Kinesthetic – A kinesthetic learner is best described as a child who is "hands-on." These kids are able to pick-up on something when it is demonstrated to them, rather than having it explained to them verbally. Kinesthetic learners often have trouble sitting still and usually excel at math, science and dance.
Don't be surprised if your child fits into one or all of these categories. It's not uncommon for your child to prefer one learning style, but also fit into the other two categories. Understanding your child's unique style can help learning become less stressful and way more fun!
Tips For Helping Your Visual, Auditory or Kinesthetic Learner
Understanding your child's learning style will ultimately help them make the most of their time at school and at home. Here are a few tips to help your kinesthetic, visual or auditory learner excel and succeed:
Auditory Learners – Ask the teacher if your child can record their lectures, and encourage your child to listen to them while doing their homework. Additionally, Help Guide recommends allowing your child to study in groups and to read their text books out loud.
Visual Learners – Encourage your visual learner to use flashcards. Visual learners will also benefit from using a highlighter to draw attention to important points in their text books. If your visual learner has trouble keeping up in the classroom, encourage them to sit closer to the teacher and take plenty of notes.
Kinesthetic Learners – Kinesthetic learners often thrive when they are allowed to listen to music and move around while studying. Additionally, encourage your kinesthetic learner to take several breaks and whenever possible, act out what they are learning. A kinesthetic learner will also benefit from a tutor or study group who can help them do hands-on experiments or role play.
If your child is struggling with their homework or cannot seem to keep up with their classmates, understanding their unique learning style is a great way to cut down on the frustration and stress that is impacting their education. Don't be afraid to reach out to your child's teacher (at a place like Saint Thomas Academy) and talk to them about your little one's learning style. Together, you can make a plan that can help you child learn at their own pace and in their own unique way.