Understanding Your Child's Learning Style: Going Beyond "Good Grades"
As schools opt for standardized versus comprehensive teaching styles; parents must help children take ownership of their unique approaches to learning.
The integrity of our public-school systems has suffered ever since common core curriculum was implemented, Parents are aware that the system is flawed, yet they still want their kids to excel in a traditional school setting. Private schools and home-schooling aren't options for everyone; and honestly, traditional education isn’t all bad. Juggling homework assignments and studying for exams enacts a level of discipline, time-management, and prioritization skills needed for life.
And the milestones of mid-terms and report cards motivate kids to work towards a goal, which is definitely another crucial life skill. However, we can't ignore that the public-school system does not treat all learning styles equal. Chronically misdiagnosed learning disorders like ADHD , can affect the way a child sees themselves-tainting their confidence in their intellectual abilities. As parents, understanding your child' s learning style should be one of your priorities. Tapping into your child's natural style will instill an intrinsic love for learning that can' t be taught in school. Because a child's love of learning is the true indicator of academic success.
Understanding Your Child's Learning Style By Observing Modalities
Learning modalities are the sensory pathways through which children receive, express, and store information. Modalities include visual, abrutory and tactile/kinesthetic learning.
Visual learners gather, express, and store information by seeing, reading, and writing.
- They are often visually artistic and captivated by diagrams, imagery, and video.
- These learners say, "let me see,"
- They learn best by demonstration and often have vivid, illustrative imaginations. They are the "seers.11
- They study best by re-reading, writing and color-coding notes. They create Venn diagrams, mind-maps and checklists to guide study sessions.
- Visual learner problem solves with imagery, aesthetics, or written word.
- They make up 25-30% of the population.
Auditory learners gather, express, and store information by hearing and speaking.
- These learners prefer explanation, with words both written and spoken. They rather listen and take handouts, than write notes themselves.
- These learners say, "tell me."
- They learn best by listening to stories, lectures, and participating in open dialogue. They really enjoy music and they tend to be natural story-tellers They are the listeners.
- They study best by reading notes aloud or quizzing their peers. Some learn by creating rhymes or melodies to written notes.
- Auditory learner problem solve by talking "through" a situation or bouncing ideas off of others.
- They make up 25-30% of the population.
Tactile/Kinesthetic learners gather, express, and store information by touching, feeling, and " investigating"
- These learners are often creative and inventive- excelling in experiential, hands-on learning and lab environments
- These learners say, "let me try."
- They learn best by active engagement, role-playing, games, or building. They are the makers and doers.
- They often study with physical components like flash cards. But their study time is most effective as an experience- creating practice tests, quizzing friends, or turning study notes into a game or activity. Parents should get creative with this child's unconventional methods!
- Tactile/Kinesthetic learners problem solve by investigating and creating tangible representations of their ideas. They think with their hands
- They make up only 15% of the population. They are usually hyperactive and most likely to be misdiagnosed with a learning disorder
Understanding your child's learning style is a gradual process as they continually evolve and develop. Here are a few questions to guide your observations.
- What types of activities interest your child the most? Which activities bring them the most joy?
- Which types of activities frustrate your child the most?
- What is your child doing when they are most able to focus? Which activities bore them?
Identifying modalities is a major step towards understanding your child's learning style. Which style/styles resemble your child the most? Comment below and subscribe to our newsletter here for weekly parenting and children wear tidbits!
Written by: Kristin Bruce