Every student learns differently. There are four main learning styles: auditory, visual, reading/writing, and kinesthetic. Your child may be more adept in their writing or learn better through hands-on activities. Or, he may fall into a combination of learning styles. Knowing your child’s learning style can help you help them study, be more successful, and work to their fullest potential. Discover your child’s learning style from North Tampa Christian Academy, a Tampa private school.
Auditory Learner
If your child is an auditory learner, he effectively learns through sound. He may likely be more musical and play an instrument. He has strong listening and communication skills, and takes direction easily. Does your child perk up during conversations when he hears conversations around him, or does he do better when he reads aloud? If you answered yes, then he probably learns by listening. Here are other ways to indicate if your child is an auditory learner:
He is adept in music, instruments, and speaking.
He has a tendency to sing along to music.
He loves having discussions.
He has the ability to pick up sounds that someone else may not notice.
He excels at auditory activities.
He takes verbal instructions well.
He asks a lot of questions while working on tasks.
If your child does more than one of the above things, here are helpful study tips for him:
Read aloud.
Make up songs and stories while studying.
Discuss areas for improvement.
Visual Learner
A visual learner best retains information that is illustrative. If your child is a visual learner, he’s likely observant of everything around him. He enjoys looking at pictures and artwork, as well as screens, such as computers and televisions. This type of learner has a vivid memory. If your child is a visual learner, he is probably good at remembering names, places, and faces. Consider these other indications when identifying if your child is a visual learner:
He has an interest in art, such as drawing and painting.
He has a vivid memory and imagination.
He understands maps and is good at directions.
He remembers everyone’s face and names, as well as places.
He has a vested interest in the world around him, so he observes closely.
If your child is a visual learner, consider implementing these study strategies:
Incorporate colors into their notes. Purchase colorful note cards, or use a variety of highlighters.
Use flashcards when studying.
Create charts, diagrams, and maps.
Reading/Writing Learner
If your child is a reading and writing learner, he better absorbs information through those methods rather than through imagery. His primary means of learning come in the form of writing essays and notes, reading through the textbooks, and reading through notes. Teachers and students lean more towards this style of learning. Your child learns best in these ways:
He uses quotations, dictionaries, lists, the internet, manuals, journals, and more for the input and output of information.
Rather than talks and discussions, he prefers handouts and written formats.
He would rather read alone than be read to.
He makes the best use of notes and lists as his main way of communicating is through online and print.
If your child strongly identifies as a reading/writing learner, implement these study tips:
Studying alone in quiet places.
Lean toward traditional teaching and learning methods, such as taking notes and re-reading them.
Take strong notes, with subheadings, lists, and bullet points.
Save handouts and combine them with notes.
Turn charts and diagrams into text.
Kinesthetic Learner
Kinesthetic learning is physical hands-on learning. Your child is probably great at sports, dancing, or anything that requires movement. He has a strong sense of touch, and he enjoys doing things by himself. This learner uses hand gestures frequently, such as counting on his fingers. Here are other key indicators that your child is a kinesthetic learner:
He has an aptitude for physical activities, such as dance and sports.
He fidgets a lot — because he needs to move to retain information!
He has good hand-eye coordination.
He displayed early physical development, such as walking and sitting up.
Here are study tips for this type of student:
Turn studying into a fun game or activity, such as a scavenger hunt or Two Truths and a Lie.
Squeeze stress balls during study sessions.
Develop practice tests to prepare for exams.
At North Tampa Christian Academy, a Tampa private school, the faculty, staff, and families work as a team. Our service-oriented approach builds Christian leaders who think deeply, choose wisely, create beauty, and use their dreams to solve problems. Want to learn more about what makes us different? Contact us today.