With the school year almost at the half way mark, are your kids meeting their potential? If not, are you as a parent keeping the child optimistic regarding learning?
People process information differently. Learning is a process that is different for each person. There are three main types of learners; visual, auditory or kinesthetic. Understanding these learning types can help you to best support your child’s needs when they seek assistance.
Visual learners prefer having demonstrations, diagrams, handouts, videos, charts and other types of pictorial items that assist them with comprehending the concept they are learning. Written instructions or lists are generally helpful for them as well. A simple cue that your child is a visual learner can be statements such as “can you show me” or “is there a picture I can see?”
Auditory learners learn by listening. They are usually the kids that can learn every word to a song after listening to it just once or twice. They will ask to discuss a subject or request you tell them.
Kinesthetic learners are the hands on type. They utilize their senses and need to touch, hold, feel, or literally be hands on with the learning experience to best gain their knowledge. And, yes these are the learners that never seem to read the instructions first.
Another important fact is that most do actually learn using a variety of the above styles, but tend to prefer a certain method. Knowing and understanding a child’s preferred learning method can help you keep your child optimistic when it comes to learning. Be creative when possible. For example, if your child is a kinesthetic learner and is reluctant to study spelling words, use a baking sheet and some colored sugar and have them spell the words in the sugar to make it a creative and fun experience.
Ultimately, stay positive and understand that each person learns differently. Although your child’s preferred learning method may be different than yours, recognize their needs and provide support to aid them. Remember, teachers and school counselors can be a great resource too.
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