What’s Your Child’s Learning Style?

by Sarah Lyons

Does your child love reading and writing? Do they have a knack for music? When they tell a story, do they tend to use their whole body to describe what happened? Are they drawn to groups or do they prefer to work alone? These traits can give clues about your child’s learning style. A learning style is the method a person uses to learn and should be used to maximize learning. It’s important for parents to understand their child’s learning style so that they can help them find study methods, environments, and activities that help them learn best.

Visual

Visual learners prefer seeing pictures and images to learn new things. They usually have good spatial awareness skills. Kids with this learning style understand maps and have a good sense of direction. They usually love doodling and drawing. Study habits best for these learners are to write information down and to underline or highlight as they read. They will also be successful using colorful diagrams and pictures so they can visualize what they want to remember.

Auditory

People who are auditory learners are typically drawn to music. They may sing, play a musical instrument, or have the ability to pick individual musical instruments out of a piece of music. They may even hum, sing, or tap their feet while they work. Using music and rhythm to remember information can be helpful for kids who have this learning style. It might also be helpful for them to record and playback things they want to remember. Reading and reciting information aloud is also a great technique for auditory learners.

Verbal

Kids with a verbal learning style can easily express themselves in both verbal and written communication. Verbal learners have a strong understanding of the meaning of words and will consistently seek out new words to master which they will later use to communicate with others. These types of learners can try using acronyms or reading information aloud while learning new things. Role playing can also be helpful for the verbal learning style.

Physical

Kids who prefer using their bodies, hands, and sense of touch prefer the physical learning style. Many of these learners enjoy drama, dancing, woodworking, or exercise. They would rather go for a run or walk when something is bothering them than sit at home and think it through. These kids use hand gestures and body language to communicate and are very aware of the world around them. Sitting and listening to a lecture can be a challenge for kids who prefer a physical learning style, so they will often fidget and look forward to when they can move around. Try actually incorporating the physical objects they are learning about or allowing movement whenever possible. Writing, drawing, and using flashcards can also be helpful for kids who have this learning style. Frequent breaks can help the physical leaner feel more prepared for study time. They can also try standing while reading, using a computer for studying, or making review into a gross-motor style game.

Logical

Kids with a logical learning style generally excel in math and critical thinking. They can recognize patterns and commonalities in seemingly unrelated content. They often understand and work complex calculations in their head. Problems are usually tackled in a systematic way and they enjoy creating lists, agendas, charts, and procedures. Kids with this learning style will retain information if they understand the logic behind it. They need not simply memorize information, but truly understanding the concepts and reasons for the information to retain them long term.

Social

People who are drawn to the social learning style love working in groups or participating in classes. They enjoy sharing their ideas with others and listening to what others think. Kids with this learning style are good at both verbal and nonverbal communication. They also have an easy time understanding others. People typically like being around the social learner and seek their advice or input when faced with problems. Social learners prefer to work through challenges in a group and will often be found staying after class to chat with friends. Kids with this learning style will enjoy role playing, studying in groups, or sharing what they have learned with others.

Solitary

People with a solitary learning style often prefer working alone and enjoy thinking and reflecting on things. They tend to be independent, introspective, and private. They are good at focusing on a task and have strong concentration skills. They may also enjoy keeping a journal to reflect on personal thoughts and feelings. Kids with this learning style prefer to study alone in quiet spaces.

Understanding your child’s learning style is important so you can help them get the most out of their education. At the same time you’ll want to be sure to identify ways to handle any challenges that may occur due to their preferred learning style. Also, parents can use this to their advantage to appeal to their child’s interests when learning new things. Don’t be surprised if your child seems like they have a combination of learning styles as this is very common. When caring adults understand a child’s strengths and weaknesses, it can only improve their experience at school and their study habits at home.

Careers by Learning Style

Visual
• Art
• Architecture
• Photography
• Film Making
• Interior Design
• Strategic Planning
• Graphic Design
• Navigation

Auditory
• Performing
• Conducting
• Sound Engineering
• Interpreting

Verbal
• Law
• Public Speaking
• Politics
• Speech Pathology
• Journalism

Physical
• Construction
• Sports
• Dance
• Drama
• Mechanics
• Farming
• Handy Work

Logical
• Science
• Mathematics
• Engineering
• Accounting
• Investigation
• Programming

Social
• Counseling
• Coaching
• Teaching
• Human Resources
• Sales
• Public Relations

Solitary
• Researching
• Writing
• Patrolling

What’s Your Child’s Learning Style?

What’s Your Child’s Learning Style?

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