Understanding Children's Learning Styles

We each have our own unique learning style, and if we can a child learning style inventory, we will be better able to connect with them and support them in their learning. Our education will be much more effective.

Children can also benefit from understanding their personal learning style. This knowledge can help them access learning opportunities more efficiently and gives them a sense of empowerment and control over their learning. It can also help them to relate to and better with different people in their lives, including their teachers to communicate.

Learning styles are based on the way we all receive and process information, an issue that is particularly important for a child with dyslexia. There are four basic ways we each receive information. We can most effectively support a child's learning by providing them with materials and experiences designed for their unique learning style.

Visual learning style - This child receives information best through their eyes and what they see and read. Often these children learn to read themselves. They may have difficulty focusing on spoken instructions, but respond well to visual aids such as photos, diagrams and charts. They tend to visualize ideas and visual details of places and objects they have seen recall. According to studies, approximately 65% of the population has this learning style.

Auditory learning style - This child learns best by hearing things - either on tape or in a discussion. They are good to listen carefully and repeat the instructions high or mentally, to remember what they have learned. Research shows that approximately 30% of people have used this style of learning. Children with this learning style are often speakers and listeners in group situations and take advantage of the opportunity to discuss ideas. Auditory learners can easily distracted by noise and can concentrate better with background music to mask potentially disruptive noises.

Kinesthetic learning style - This child reminds us of the notion of 'energy in motion. "They have physical contact with things they learn about. In fact, most young children instinctively this kind of learning - to touch and experience helps them better understand new information. This is a very important way to learning for dyslexic children of all ages. About 5% of adults prefer this way of learning to use.

Social learning style - This child learns through interaction with other people. They thrive on a one-on-one attention and in return they learn well through direct experience.

For us it is important to remember that the children we support are not necessarily the same learning style as us, and we must remain open and have a range of approaches available to us. When working with a group of children, may need to explore a topic in various ways to ensure that we meet the needs of each child's individual learning style requirements.

Determine your own learning style will help you understand more about these ideas.

You probably have a visual learning style as your 'yes' answers the following questions:

When working on a word you're looking for the spell to visualize in your head?

Talk with your mate and try to listen to avoid too long?

Do you use words like 'see', 'image' and 'think' a piece?

Are you easily distracted by clutter or movement?

If you prefer to read descriptive scenes or pause the action proposals?

When learning something new, you want demonstrations, diagrams, slides, posters or see?

You probably have an auditory learning style, if you "yes" answer the following questions:

If the effort to spell a word you read the word, or use a phonetic approach?

Do you enjoy listening but are impatient to talk?

Do you use words like "hear", "Tune" and "think"?

Got distracted by sounds?

When you read, you can enjoy dialogue and conversation or hear the characters talk?

When learning something new, do you prefer verbal instructions or talking about it with another?

You probably have kinesthetic and tactile learning styles as your 'yes' answer the following questions:

If the work to a word to spell, write the word to find if it feels good?

In an interview you gesture and use expressive movements?

Do you use words like "feel" touch "and" team "?

Have you been distracted by activity around you?

When you read, you prefer action stories or not an avid reader?

When learning something new, would you rather jump in and try it out?

For more information about child psychology to try a free map home studies of the Learning Curve.

Learning Curve also offers full-length and short, specialized courses in child psychology.