As you might have heard, different people learn best in different ways. In fact, experts have determined four main learning styles:
- Visual Learners: Prefer using images, mind maps, charts, and graphics.
- Auditory Learners: Prefer listening and speaking.
- Reading and Writing Learners: Prefer to make notes and use the written word.
- Kinaesthetic: Prefer more hands-on learning and tactile representations.
It’s not like using the wrong learning style will prevent a child from picking a subject up, but it’s always nice to help them out by identifying which learning style suits them best. This is particularly true if you’re teaching them at home; any extra-curricular lessons are going to be accepted more readily if they fit your child’s learning style.
So, how do you determine your child’s learning style?
Talk to Their Teachers
Firstly, talk to the experts. Your child’s teachers will have observed them working and should be able to provide valuable insights. Of course, they won’t be able to structure their entire teaching style around your one child, but they should be able to tell you what kind of activities your child responds to most effectively.
Consider Their Interests
Learning styles aren’t formed in a vacuum; it’s likely that your child will have interests that complement their preferred learning style. For example, a visual learner will probably enjoy drawing, while a kinaesthetic learner will probably prefer more active pursuits.
Present Them with a Range of Options
Ultimately, your child is the best person to tell you their learning style. Even though you’ll only confuse them by asking whether or not they consider themselves auditory learners, you can offer them a range of learning activities and see which one they pick. For example, try presenting your child with games that involve visual, auditory, reading/writing, and kinaesthetic learning styles, then see which one they opt for.