Question:

What are learning styles?

Auditory Learners

Identifying an Auditory Child

An auditory child learns best by hearing. This child is often musical and has an ear for languages. Background noises like TV or radio may not bother the auditory learner, but may even help him concentrate. They love to listen to stories and poems, especially those with distinct rhythmic patterns.

What Are Learning Styles?

Every person fits into one of the three general Learning Styles: Visual, Auditory, or Kinesthetic. While many may be strong in more than one area, typically we all are strongest in one. By knowing the learning styles of your children, you can find the toys and games that they will most enjoy. Auditory learners might enjoy musical instruments, kinesthetic learners may enjoy athletic equipment or building blocks, and visual learners will love doing puzzles.

Visual Learners

Identifying a Visual Child

A visual child typically enjoys drawing, reading, and even daydreaming. He is adept at reading maps and charts and may even have an interest in photography. He needs to "see it" to learn it.

Kinesthenic Learners

Identifying a Kinesthetic Child

A kinesthetic child will often be found running and climbing. She is learning about the world with her sense of touch. Textures, temperature, brightness (and darkness) are just some of the ways she learns best. She is often athletic and well coordinated.

Communication barriers

Communication barriers between learning styles

Do you get frustrated telling your son over and over to hand up his coat when he comes in the house? Do you worry that your daughter's music might be preventing her from studying to the best of her ability? If we can understand each other's learning style then we can overcome these communication barriers. Try showing your son how to hang up the coat as you remind him verbally (he could be a visual learner and words just go in one ear and out the other). Check your daughters grades before jumping to conclusions-if she's an auditory learner, the background noise may actually help her concentrate.