The process of learning starts the minute a child is born. Parents are always on their A game trying to make sure their little one is learning and going through the process of child development with ease. From introducing them to different materials, to the transition of attending toddler groups and later school, it seems everything is set in place when it comes to aiding children with their learning.
As a parent who is currently raising a child of their own, you will constantly be amazed at the unique qualities and abilities that your little one displays. If you have more than one child, you will notice that they each possess a distinct personality and a unique way of understanding the world around them. And this is very normal as no two children are the same. Similarly, they also possess individual learning styles that have a great impact on how they absorb and process information.
Taking the time to understand your child’s learning style, can help you provide the right support and guidance to create the perfect learning environment for their growth and development. Here is some advice from this private school in Richmond, on strategies you can use to understand your child’s learning style better.
What is a learning style?
Before moving onto the different types of learning styles, it is important to understand what they are and why they effect a child’s academic achievements. A learning style refers to the preferred way an individual acquires, retains and processes information. Whilst there are many arguments surrounding learning styles, they have been split into three main categories, which will be discussed in more detail below.
Visual learners
Visual learners thrive through visual stimulation. When it comes to learning and taking in information, they have a keen sense of observation, and usually prefer visual aids such as charts, diagrams, and videos to help them. As a parent, if you have noticed that your child is a visual learner, you can support them by using colourful learning materials, incorporating visual cues, and encouraging them to use drawings or create visual representations of concepts that they find difficult to understand. For example, when it comes to explaining mathematical questions, you could use visual aids such as blocks or counting beads to help them understand better.
Auditory learners
Auditory learners tend to absorb information through sound and spoken words. They have an excellent sense of hearing and often benefit from listening to discussions, explanations, and lectures. To help them with their learning, you can engage your child in conversations, read aloud to them, and encourage them to discuss their thoughts and ideas.
Kinaesthetic learners
Kinaesthetic learners learn best through physical experiences and movement. They have a strong desire for hands on activities and often excel in subjects such as art, music and PE. In order to help your child, provide them with opportunities for tactile experiences, such as interactive experiments, building models or role play. Try and incorporate movement and physical games into their learning as well, as it can help them grasp concepts more effectively.
Conclusion
Whilst the three categories above provide a wide understanding of learning styles, it is important to understand that your child may not solely fall into one category, and may require a combination of styles. Others may display a preference for one style in particular, but still benefit from combining other styles into their learning experience.
Identifying their learning style requires careful observation, communication and experimentation. You can also consult with their teacher to gain better insights on how your child learns. Identifying this early on in their lives will help them unlock their full potential, foster a love for learning and help them reach success.
