What are Learning Styles and why should you care about them?

A person’s learning style is, in a nutshell, the methods that help them learn the easiest. Some people have a hard time concentrating on reading but have no problems focusing on a lecture. Others fall asleep at a lecture but are engrossed by a mutlimedia presentation. This is because they all have different learning styles.    

The Three Basic Learning Styles 

Auditory: The auditory learner is able to assimilate and remember information by listening and talking about what they have learned. Auditory learners often have a great appreciation for music and story-telling. Auditory learners may do better with oral quizzes and recitation rather traditional methods of homework and testing. The best type of homeschool curriculum for an auditory learner would likely be one that includes plenty of oral discussion, recitation and unit studies. The classical and Charlotte Mason methods would both be good choices for children with an auditory learning style.

Visual: The visual leaner is, obviously, very visual. They do well with visual aids such as charts, graphs, maps, etcetera and are generally fond of reading. A child with a visual learning style would most likely enjoy a literature-based curriculum as well as colorful worksheets. A homeschool program with a multimedia component would also be appropriate, such as supplemental courses on cd-rom or even participation in a virtual homeschool.

Kinesthetic: Kinesthetic learners are enjoy the act of "doing" to aid in learning. Activity is an important part of these energetic learners style of learning. Children that fit this learning profile usually have difficulty in a traditional educational setting. They tend to be fidgety and may need more breaks than the average child to "burn off energy." Lots of hands-on activities and experiments would be ideal for this type of learner. Unit studies and Montessori methods are well-suited to this learning style as well.

How to Determine Your Child’s Learning Style

Watch your child and what they gravitate towards during leisure activites. What are their favorite hobbies? Don’t be afraid to try different methods and see which ones your child does best with. Ask your about his likes and dislikes as well. Chances are, he will let you know if he really hates a certain book or program.

In closing, it is very important to pay attention to your children’s preferred learning style. It will make for a far more pleasant and positive learning experience for both of you. Play to your childs natural strengths and you will avoid a lot of frustration in the long run.

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