HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING STYLE

Children learn in different ways – what works for one may not work for another and vice versa. It’s difficult for teachers in schools to adapt lessons to all the various ways of learning, but you can do this at home by identifying and understanding how your particular child best absorbs and retains information. To help you, this prep school in Guildford explores children’s different learning styles so you can pinpoint which ones apply most to your child. 

Kinesthetic learners

Some children learn best through movement and touch. They seek out sensation to help them make sense of the world and so respond best to information presented in this way. They’re usually good at physical activities like sports and like using their body to express themselves, for example, through hand gestures and fidgeting. They love hands-on activities like digging in the dirt or playing in the sand, and usually have good hand-eye coordination. You can help a kinesthetic learner by providing as many opportunities as possible for them to touch and feel what they’re learning, for example, using their fingers to practise maths. 

Auditory learners

Auditory learners find it easier to understand information if it’s presented to them through sound. They may be drawn to music or like singing, and generally follow verbal instructions and directions well. They tend to be good listeners as well, so watch out for signs your child is listening intently to conversations happening around them. Auditory learners may prefer reading out loud over doing it in their heads and usually have strong verbal abilities. You can support this type of learner by making use of repetition and songs to help them learn information, giving instructions verbally and facilitating in-depth discussions to nurture their love of talking.

Visual learners

This type of learner responds best to visual cues and are observant of the world around them. They may like to look at pictures, photographs and illustrations and enjoy anything involving a screen like playing on a tablet or computer. They find it easier to understand and retain information presented visually, for example, through charts and graphs or flashcards. They also tend to have a vivid memory and imagination, finding it easy to recall people’s faces or describe places they’ve been to. You can help a visual learner by giving them plenty of opportunity to read and watch educational videos or TV programmes, or by incorporating learning games into your teaching approach. Additionally, you can enhance their learning experience by utilizing powerpoint design templates education designed specifically for educational purposes, ensuring that the visual elements align with their preferred learning style.

Your child might learn in a mixture of these ways, but chances are one these is their preferred learning style and identifying it will help you tailor their learning so they get the most out of it. 

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