How to Understand the Learning Style of Your Child

Every child has a different learning style. Understanding how your child learns can make their education better and can create more academic success for them.

There are many different patterns of learning, and the best thing you can do is to step back and observe what pattern seems to be working for your child. Here we will be discussing what you should look out for in order to understand your child's best way to learn, and how to make the most of your child's learning style.

The Three Major Learning Styles

There are three major learning styles based on your child’s strengths. Watch to see if your child is an auditory learner, i.e., someone who learns through listening to what others have to say; and also by talking about what they’re learning. Then, we have visual learners, who as their name suggests, mostly learn through watching. This is believed to be the most dominant learning style. Apart from these two, your child can also be a kinesthetic learner, someone who learns best through hands-on activities and movement.

Focus on Your Child’s Strengths and Interests

Once you have identified the learning style of your child based on his/her strengths, i.e., the way your child most naturally takes in information, you can not only teach your child more effectively, but also can compensate for his/her learning weaknesses. Example – your child who is not a visual learner might face difficulty in picturing geometrical figures, but can easily learn about them through language (by talking about them), if he/she has good auditory learning skills. Moreover, focusing on your child’s natural talents and interests help you in shaping the way he/she learns to become an expert in that particular area. Acknowledging your child's talents and interests increases their self-esteem along with their future abilities.

Schools Should Also Become Aware

So far, we have only been discussing how important it is for parents to understand their child’s learning style in order to make their education better. However, schools too should note that one size doesn't fit all, and should focus on different learning styles in order to reach out fairly to all types of learners.

Observe How Your Child Solves Problem

People tend to draw from their strengths to resolve a problem. Similarly, children tend to utilize their strengths to help them learn. For example, auditory learners would most often discuss the issue with their friends to browse through all possible solutions. Visual learners would typically use their visual senses to find a solution and quickly notice if something is out of place. Kinesthetic learners would try to solve problems manually with their hands.

Make Careful Genetic-Based Assumptions

Blind assumptions must be strictlyavoided when figuring out your child's learning ability as there will always be exceptions. However, a substantial amount of evidence suggests female child be an excellent auditory learner while male tends to be more of a visual learner. Take these assumptions into consideration, but do not limit your child to these assumptions.

Utilize Several Learning Style Quizzes

If you are more than satisfied with your child’s learning ability, give them some learning style quizzes to find out what works best for them.

Align Your Teaching Style with Child’s Learning Style

Matching your teaching style with your child’s learning style will go a long way in how much knowledge they retain. For example, the best way to teach auditory learners is by verbal instruction. Visual learners learn best with flashcards, visual aids, and educational videos. Kinesthetic learners must be given practical hands-on projects.

And here, the good news is that many schools have already opted for professional development programs that help teachers acquire the knowledge and skill to accommodate learning differences among kids.

At First School, one of the most trusted preschools in California, we provide a great learning environment for the overall development of your child. Contact us at (760) 799-2910 to learn more about our child care program.

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