Unlocking Potential: Understanding Your Child's Unique Learning Style

As parents and educators, we often assume that everyone learns the same way—by reading, listening, and repeating. But the truth is, every child is uniquely wired to absorb and process information. If class, or homework time feels like a battle, or if your child struggles to grasp concepts through traditional methods, they might just be wired to learn in a different way!

Ø  This was part of my reason for writing Center Brained: Why you can’t tell left from right, east from west or north from south. I truly believe that many children who have been labeled as disruptive in class or as learning disabled, may just be appealing for a different approach to the way they’re being taught!

Ø  Recognizing your child's primary learning style—be it visual, auditory, or kinesthetic—is the greatest gift you can give them. It allows you to tailor their environment, study habits, and even playtime to match their unique cognitive needs, transforming frustration into engagement.

Let's explore the three main ways children learn and how you can support each style at home, or at school.

1. The Visual Learner (Seeing is Believing)

The visual learner processes information best when they can see it. They thrive on clarity, organization, and imagery.

Characteristics:

• They love books with pictures, maps, and diagrams.

• They are easily distracted by clutter or messy environments.

• They remember faces better than names.

• They often use phrases like, "I see what you mean," or "Look at this!"

Tips for Supporting Your Visual Learner:

• Use Color Coding: Encourage them to use highlighters, colored pens, and sticky notes to organize concepts.

• Draw It Out: When learning a complex process (like the water cycle or the steps of long division), ask them to draw a mind map, flow chart, or a quick sketch.

• Flashcards & Videos: Flashcards (with images!) and educational videos are highly effective tools for reviewing information.

Ø  This may be the default stage for most learners, especially when they’re young. As children grow older, they may remain as visual learners or they may develop other preferences.

2. The Auditory Learner (Hearing is Key)

The auditory learner takes in information best through their ears. They often need to hear concepts spoken aloud to fully understand and retain them.

Characteristics:

• They learn best in group discussions and enjoy listening to stories.

• They often talk to themselves while studying or reading.

• They remember names better than faces.

• They excel at following verbal instructions but may struggle with written ones.

Tips for Supporting Your Auditory Learner:

• Read Aloud: Encourage them to read their notes or textbooks out loud. Hearing their own voice reinforces the memory.

• Use Audio Resources: Utilize audiobooks, podcasts, or record important lectures for them to listen to again later.

• Create Rhymes & Songs: Turn boring lists or complex formulas into simple songs or rhythmic chants—it works wonders for memorization!

• Discuss and Debate: Talk through new concepts. Have them explain what they learned to you, or engage in a friendly discussion about the topic.

Ø  My daughter was, and still is, an auditory learner.

3. The Kinesthetic/Tactile Learner (Learning by Doing)

The kinesthetic or tactile learner needs to be physically involved in the learning process. They learn best by touching, moving, and actively experimenting.

Characteristics:

• They are often fidgety, struggling to sit still for long periods.

• They excel in hands-on activities, labs, and sports.

• They have great physical memory (they remember things they do).

• They need frequent breaks and movement to stay focused.

Tips for Supporting Your Kinesthetic Learner:

• Build and Manipulate: Use physical objects (like LEGOs, clay, or models) to represent concepts. If they are learning fractions, use cut-up pieces of fruit, for example. If they are learning about chemistry, let them manipulate a molecular model kit.

• Active Study: Let them move while studying. They can bounce a stress ball, pace around the room, or even walk outside while reciting facts.

• Role-Play and Experiment: Turn historical events into quick skits, or use cooking as a way to understand measurements and chemical reactions.

• Take Frequent Movement Breaks: Allow for short bursts of physical activity every 20-30 minutes to reset their focus.

Ø  There are so many children who will suddenly dart from their seats, and rush to touch an object or another person. They just need to do something with their hands. If that impulsiveness could be incorporated into the lesson they’re being taught, their attention would be captured at least, for longer periods.

The Takeaway: There's No "Right" Way

It’s important to remember that most people use a blend of styles, but one usually dominates.  I use a combination of visual and auditory learning styles. It's very hard for me to determine which one dominates. I believe that this is because neither my brain-right hemisphere nor my left-brain hemisphere dominates.

As a teacher or parent, your goal isn't to force your child into a rigid box, but to recognize their dominant preference and incorporate activities that play to their strengths.

By understanding how their brains are wired, you empower your child to feel smart, capable, and confident. Embrace the visual, auditory, and movement-based activities—you'll be setting them up for a lifetime of successful learning!