Educational studies show that children have three prominent learning styles. These are visual, auditory and kinaesthetic. Each style relates to the senses that your child uses most when learning, for example seeing, listening and feeling. Children typically start off by exploring all three styles, but gradually one style becomes more obvious. This is called their ‘learning style’.
It is important for parents to identify and understand their child’s learning style so that you can match it with your teaching methods.
Here is some helpful information from a boys’ school in Hertfordshire on how to identify your child’s learning style…
Visual learners
Visual learners do best when presented with pictures in books or by watching educational videos. If your child is a visual learner, you may notice that they are very observant and remember lots of small details. When teaching a visual learner it is a good idea to draw on a whiteboard or blackboard and get them involved too. It is also helpful to have lots of art and craft equipment to hand.
Auditory learners
Auditory learners learn most effectively through listening. They enjoy listening to songs and rhyming. Music is a great learning tool for auditory learners. If you think your child is an auditory learner it can help to get audio books on their school topics. Auditory learners will often show an interest in other languages, so you can also use audio guides to encourage this.
Kinaesthetic learners
Kinaesthetic learners need more hands on learning methods, because they like to see how things work. They learn best through touching and feeling exercises which are also ideal for developing their hand-eye coordination. Children with a dominant kinaesthetic learning style often enjoy activities like art and PE at school. At home you will find that kinaesthetic learners enjoy activities like puzzles and building blocks.
Don’t be afraid to speak to your child’s school teachers if you are struggling to identify their learning style. Teachers will be able to observe your child and give you advice on their most suited home learning activities.
Laura x