Learning styles are ways children process information to learn. They can also be methods teachers or parents adopt to enable children to learn.
Every child is unique and learns differently. Understanding your child’s learning style is paramount to his or her academic success.
Having an insight on how your child processes information and learns will enable support them in performing their very best both inside and outside of the classroom.
Developing Children’s Study Habits for Better Academic Grades
Although many children combine several learning styles, most children have a favorite way of learning.
There are many different ways children learn and develop.
How to Help Your Child Learn
Children are helped to learn through their learning styles.
There are three major learning styles available for children. However, these major categories comprises of various subcategories of learning styles;
Visual Learning
Children learn visually by observing and watching things. Children who learn through this means are referred to as Visual Learners.
Visual learners learn from what they see. This category of learners grasps concepts by seeing them. This learning style doesn’t necessarily have to be with the use of a screen ,especially for those who may not be opportune to learn through electronic means.
How to help Visual Learners Learn
- These learners can learn with the aid of illustrations, sketches, diagrams ,and videos.
- In order to teach your child with this learning style, use drawing diagrams and pictures to explain things.
- Also, create mind maps for science, and use colours to indicate important concepts and information.
- You can also find tools designed specifically for visual learners such as flashcards.
However, ensure that all visuals are accompanied by audio.
Auditory Learning
Through this means children learn by listening to sounds, responding to sounds and singing. Children who process information better through this means are known as Auditory Learners.
Your child is an auditory learner because he or she learns best by listening. They capture spoken instructions and prefer verbal interaction and examination.
Children with auditory learning styles thrive in remote learning settings. This is because listening is fun and interesting to them. Auditory learners usually have great musical skills for their abilities to remember rhythm, sounds and tones.
How to Help Auditory Learners Learn
- To help auditory learners excel, encourage them to read aloud, memorize material, and listen to music while studying.
- Also, encourage participation in discussions based on the subject being learnt.
Reading and Writing Learning
This learning style focuses on the written word, reading and writing information on worksheets, presentations, and other text-heavy resources. These learners are note-takers and perform strongly when they can reference written text.
How to help Reading and Writing Learners Learn
- Allow them ample time to study and absorb what has been written.
- Give them time to write down their ideas on paper or in a book. This way they would remember.
- Show them ways to research, write essays and read in-depth.
Kinesthetic Learning
Actively engaging with the physical environment can be a preferred learning style for your child.
Kinesthetic learners are people who learn best through physical activities and hands-on experiences. Children with kinesthetic learning styles tend to remember information better when they are actively engaged in the learning process, rather than listening or reading about it.
Kinesthetic learners often enjoy activities such as sports, dance, cooking, carpentry, building things, or performing experiments.
If your child is a kinesthetic learner, he or she would find it challenging to learn from lectures or textbooks alone. Instead, he or she may benefit from activities that involve movement, such as role-playing and interactive games.
Ways to Support Children through Learning Anxiety
For older children, they may find it helpful to take notes while moving. Also,pacing around the room or using a fidget toy could increase concentration span.
How to Help Kinesthetic Learners Learners
- Allow them to take frequent breaks to move around and stretch.
- Use hands-on materials such as manipulatives or models to explore concepts
- Use mnemonic tools that involve movement or physical actions to help them remember information.
- Involve them in physical activities that help them relax and focus, such as running, before studying or taking a test.
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