Identifying Your Child's Learning Style: A Guide for Parents

Does it sometimes feel like your child is struggling to learn, even when you're putting in your best effort? You're not alone! Many parents find that traditional teaching methods don't always resonate with their child's unique learning style.

Every child has their own special way of absorbing information and understanding that can make all the difference in their educational journey.

This blog will help you understand how your child learns best. We'll talk about different learning styles and show you how to figure out what works best for your child. Plus, we'll share simple tips to make learning more fun and successful for them.

First, let’s understand what a learning style is.

What is a Learning Style?

Simply put, a learning style is the way your child prefers to learn. Just like we all have favorite foods or colors, we also have favorite ways to learn new things. Some children might understand a concept quickly by looking at a picture, while others might need to hear someone explain it out loud.

Recognizing these preferences is what learning styles are all about.

Why are Learning Styles Important?

Knowing your child's learning style can make a big difference in their homeschooling journey. Here's how:

1. Make Learning More Fun: Imagine trying to learn something in a way that just doesn't click for you. It can be frustrating! When kids learn in a way that feels natural to them, they're more likely to enjoy the process and stay curious. This makes homeschooling more enjoyable for both of you.

2. Help Your Child Learn Faster: Think about how they learn best. Do they prefer reading, listening, or doing? When you teach in a way that matches your child's learning style, they can grasp new concepts more quickly and easily. This can help streamline lessons and minimize frustration.

3. Build Your Child's Confidence: When children understand things easily, they feel good about themselves and their abilities. By tailoring your teaching to their learning style, you can help them experience success and build confidence in their learning journey. This positive reinforcement encourages them to keep exploring and learning new things.

If you're concerned about the financial costs of homeschooling, you're not alone. Fortunately, there are options to help ease the burden. One helpful resource is homeschool grants, which can provide funding and financial aid to support your educational journey.

This blog will help you find these resources and offer tips on how they can benefit your homeschooling plan.

Understanding your child's learning style is a key part of helping them succeed. It refers to the way they prefer to take in, process, and retain information. 

What are the Main Learning Styles of Children

Every child is unique and learns in their own special way. By recognizing your child's learning style, you can tailor your homeschooling approach to make it more engaging and effective for both of you. Here are some of the most common learning styles:

1. Visual Learners

Visual learners learn best by seeing things. They're like little detectives, always looking for clues and patterns in the world around them. Pictures, diagrams, and videos are their best friends. They often have a strong visual memory and can easily recall things they've seen. This includes details from their favorite book or the steps in a how-to video.

Here are some things you might notice in a visual learner:

• They like to read books and look at pictures, often spending hours poring over illustrations or photographs.

• They are good at drawing and other visual arts, expressing themselves creatively through colors and shapes.

• They often take notes or doodle while listening to someone talk, using visuals to help them focus and remember information.

• They may have trouble following spoken instructions, preferring to see things written down or demonstrated.

To help your visual learner:

• Use lots of visuals in your lessons, like pictures, charts, and diagrams. Think about using flashcards, colorful posters, or even mind maps to present information.

• Encourage your child to sketch or make visual representations of the concepts they are studying. This could involve drawing a timeline of historical events or creating a diagram to explain a scientific concept.

• Use videos and online resources to supplement your teaching. Websites with interactive simulations or documentaries with engaging visuals can be very helpful.

2. Auditory Learners

Auditory learners learn best by listening. They are the storytellers, the music lovers, and the natural conversationalists. They thrive on spoken words and sounds, easily absorbing information through lectures, discussions, and audio-books.

Here are some things you might notice in an auditory learner:

• They like to listen to music and stories, often getting lost in the rhythm and melody of a song or the plot of an audiobook.

• They are good at remembering things they have heard, recalling conversations, song lyrics, or information from a lecture with ease.

• They often talk to themselves or others while they are working, using their voice to process information and stay focused.

• They may have trouble with written instructions, preferring to hear someone explain a task or concept step-by-step.

To help your auditory learner:

• Read aloud to them often, bringing stories to life with your voice and engaging them in lively discussions about the characters and plot.

• Have them listen to audiobooks and podcasts, exposing them to a wide range of topics and voices.

• Encourage them to participate in discussions and debates, providing opportunities to express their thoughts and ideas verbally.

• Use music and sound effects to make learning more engaging. Playing background music during study time or incorporating sound effects into lessons can enhance their focus and enjoyment.

3. Kinesthetic Learners

Kinesthetic learners learn best by doing. They are the movers and shakers, the builders and creators, and the hands-on explorers. They learn through physical activity and direct experience, thriving in environments where they can move, touch, and experiment.

Here are some things you might notice in a kinesthetic learner:

• They like to play sports and be active, channeling their energy into physical activities and enjoying the feeling of movement.

• They are good at building things and working with their hands. They often take things apart and put them back together or create new inventions from scratch.

• They often fidget or move around while they are learning, needing to release their energy and engage their body in the learning process.

• They may have trouble focusing on traditional lessons, preferring to learn through hands-on activities and real-world experiences.

To help your kinesthetic learner:

• Use hands-on activities and experiments in your lessons. Think about incorporating science experiments, building projects, or role-playing activities to bring learning to life.

• Let them move around while they are learning. Allow them to stand, pace, or even jump while they study as long as it helps them focus.

• Take frequent breaks for physical activity. Short bursts of exercise or movement can help them refocus and re-energize.

• Incorporating games and simulations into lessons can make learning more interactive and engaging. Physical activities and movement-based games are particularly effective for kinesthetic learners, helping them stay engaged while learning.

4. Tactile Learners

Tactile learners are similar to kinesthetic learners in that they like to learn by doing. However, tactile learners specifically like to touch and manipulate objects. They are the artists, the sculptors, and the builders, learning best by working with their hands and experiencing the texture and form of materials.

Here are some things you might notice in a tactile learner:

• They like to play with toys and build things, often spending hours constructing elaborate structures with blocks, LEGOs, or other materials.

• They are good at arts and crafts, enjoying the process of creating something tangible and expressing themselves through different mediums.

• They often like to touch things while they are learning, needing to feel the texture of an object or the shape of a letter to fully understand it.

To help your tactile learner:

• Use manipulatives in your lessons, such as blocks, puzzles, and models. These hands-on tools allow them to explore concepts and ideas through touch and manipulation.

• Let them create projects and models. Encourage them to build dioramas, create artwork with different textures, or construct models to represent scientific concepts.

• Use textured materials to make learning more engaging. Incorporate materials like sandpaper letters, textured paper, or fabric scraps into lessons to provide a tactile learning experience.

It's important to remember that most children are a combination of different learning styles. Understanding the various learning styles and observing your child's preferences can help you create a homeschooling setup that supports their success.

Want a homeschool curriculum that adapts to your child's unique learning style?

The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a flexible and engaging approach to homeschooling with its American Emergent Curriculum (AEC).

Here's how the AEC adapts to different learners:

• Visual Learners: The AEC includes lots of visual aids, like colorful charts, diagrams, and hands-on activities that allow children to see and experience what they're learning.

• Auditory Learners: The AEC incorporates storytelling, music, and discussions to engage auditory learners who thrive on listening and speaking.

• Kinesthetic Learners: The AEC encourages movement and hands-on exploration through activities like building, creating, and experimenting.

• Tactile Learners: The AEC provides opportunities for tactile learners to touch and manipulate objects, with activities like sculpting, building with blocks, and exploring different textures.

Ready to give your child a learning experience that's tailored to their individual needs?

Explore The School House Anywhere Today!

Knowing your child's learning style is important, but how can you identify it? One great way is through careful observation.

Observational Techniques to Identify Your Child’s Learning Style

Homeschooling gives you a fantastic opportunity to really understand how your child learns. By observing them in different situations, you can discover their learning style. This can help you create lessons and activities that are a perfect fit for them.

1. Watching How They Play and Learn

• Playtime is Learning Time: Pay close attention to how your child plays. Do they love building things with blocks, creating tall towers and imaginative structures? 

Do they get lost in drawing and coloring, filling pages with vibrant colors and detailed pictures? Or do they prefer to listen to music and make up stories, singing along and creating their own worlds? These are all clues about their learning style.

• Spotting Strengths and Weaknesses: Notice what your child is good at and what they find challenging. Do they have a hard time sitting still during lessons but love to run around outside and play active games?

Do they remember stories easily, reciting their favorite tales word for word, but struggle with writing and putting their thoughts on paper? These observations can help you understand their learning preferences.

• Testing Different Instructions: Try giving instructions in different ways. Tell them what to do, clearly explaining the steps involved. Show them a picture or a diagram, letting them see what you mean.

Sometimes, have them try it out themselves, letting them learn through hands-on experience. See which way helps them understand best and follow instructions most effectively.

2. Making Learning More Engaging

• Mix It Up! Don't be afraid to try different teaching methods. You can use a whiteboard to write down key points and draw diagrams to illustrate ideas. You can also go outside for a nature walk, exploring the world around you and learning through direct experience.

Sometimes, play a learning game, making education fun and interactive. This keeps things interesting and helps you discover what works best for your child.

• Make It Fun! Learning should be enjoyable, not a chore. If your child seems bored or frustrated, try a different approach. Maybe they need a break, a change of scenery, or a more hands-on activity.

Remember, the goal is to help them learn and grow in a way that feels natural and fun, sparking their curiosity and love for learning.

3. Looking for Clues Everywhere

• Homework Habits: How does your child approach homework? Do they like to watch videos, absorbing information through visuals and explanations? Do they prefer to listen to recordings, letting the information sink in through their ears?

Or do they like to build models and create projects, learning through hands-on activities? This can tell you a lot about their learning style.

• Tech Time: What kind of apps and websites does your child enjoy? Do they like interactive games, where they can learn by doing and exploring? Do they prefer educational videos, watching and listening to learn new things?

Do they gravitate towards online quizzes and challenges, testing their knowledge and learning through trial and error? This can also give you insights into their learning preferences.

Want to balance screen time with hands-on learning?

The School House Anywhere (TSHA) believes in the power of hands-on, screen-free learning. Our curriculum encourages children to explore the world around them and learn through real-life experiences.

Learn More About The School House Anywhere!

• Feedback Matters: How does your child respond to feedback? Do they prefer to hear it, listening attentively to your suggestions and explanations? Do they prefer to see it written down, reading your comments and corrections carefully?

Paying attention to their preferred feedback style can help you tailor your approach for better understanding.

By paying attention to these things, you can learn a lot about how your child learns best. This will help you create a homeschooling experience that is both effective and enjoyable, setting them up for success in their education journey.

It’s not just about you—working together with teachers can create an even stronger learning environment for your child.

Teaming Up with Teachers: How to Help Your Child Learn Best

When you homeschool your child, you're their main teacher. But that doesn't mean you have to do it alone! If you’ve hired a private tutor and joined a co-op, you can work closely with the teacher to understand your child's learning style. That way, you can create the best learning experience for them. Here's how:

1. Sharing What You See at Home and at School

• Two Heads Are Better Than One: Talk to your child's teachers about what you observe at home. Share this information with their teachers so everyone can be on the same page and work together to support your child's learning.

• What Works in the Classroom? Ask teachers about what they see in the classroom. This can give you valuable clues about their learning style and help you tailor your homeschooling approach.

• Making a List of Favorites: Work with teachers to create a list of your child's favorite toys, games, and activities. This can help you choose learning materials that match their interests and learning style, making learning more engaging and enjoyable.

2. Keeping the Conversation Going

• Regular Check-Ins: Talk to teachers regularly about your child's progress. This could be through quick chats after class, emails sharing updates and observations, or more formal parent-teacher meetings. Consistent communication ensures everyone is informed and working together.

• Sharing Updates: Let teachers know if you notice any changes in your child's learning. Maybe they're suddenly very interested in dinosaurs, devouring every book and documentary they can find.

Perhaps they have found a new way to solve math problems, demonstrating a different approach or a deeper understanding.

• Working Together: If you have any concerns about your child's learning, don't hesitate to talk to their teachers. They can offer advice, support, and different perspectives, helping you overcome any challenges and find solutions together.

3. Seeing Things Firsthand

• Visiting the Classroom: If possible, spend some time observing your child in the classroom. This can help you see how they interact with other students, participate in group activities, and respond to different teaching methods. This will give you a broader perspective on their learning.

• Talking It Over: After observing your child in class, talk to their teacher about what you saw. Discuss your child's behavior, engagement, and any insights you gained. This can give you a deeper insight into their learning style and help you work more effectively with the teacher.

4. Focusing on Strengths

• Every Child is Unique: If your child has any learning challenges, focus on their strengths and what they enjoy doing. Maybe they struggle with reading but excel at hands-on activities or have a strong visual memory.

• Building on Strengths: Work with teachers to find ways to use your child's strengths to help them learn. For example, if they love to draw, you could use drawing activities to teach them about other subjects. That may include creating illustrations for historical events or scientific concepts.

By working closely with teachers, you can create a learning environment that helps your child thrive. Remember, your collaboration can make a big difference in your child's education, just like a team working together to achieve a common goal.

As you plan and organize your homeschooling journey, it's important to consider the financial aspects as well. One question that often comes up is whether homeschooling expenses are tax deductible.

To help you understand this better, check out this guide on Is Homeschooling Tax Deductible? for a detailed look at potential tax benefits and deductions.

Once you've figured out your child's learning style and teamed up with teachers, it's time to take things to the next level.

Helping Your Child Adapt Learning Techniques

Kids have different ways of learning. Just like you learn new things in life, your child can also learn how to learn better! Here's how you can help your child learn in the way that works best for them:

1. Learning Can Change!

• Growing and Changing: Just like your child grows taller and learns new things every day, their learning style can change too. What worked for them when they were younger, like learning through lots of pictures and toys, might not work as well now that they're older.

• Staying Flexible: Don't think of your child as just one type of learner, like only a "visual learner" or only an "auditory learner." They might be a mix of different styles, and that mix can change over time as they grow and experience new things.

• Keeping Track: Pay attention to how your child learns best now. What do they enjoy doing during lessons? What helps them understand new things easily? Keep a journal or make notes about what you observe, like a scientist tracking their experiment results.

2. Mixing It Up for Super Learning

• Using All The Senses: Try to use different ways of teaching to make learning more exciting and engaging. Include pictures and videos to help them see what you're teaching. Use sounds and music to help them hear it, and include hands-on activities to help them experience it.

• Making It Fun: When learning is fun, kids learn better! Think of creative ways to teach. That includes playing games that help them learn facts, going on field trips to museums and historical sites, or doing science experiments in your kitchen.

3. Trying Out Different Learning Styles

• Learning New Styles: Encourage your child to try different ways of learning. Maybe they can listen to an audiobook instead of reading, watch a documentary about a historical event, or build a model of the solar system.

• Learning From Others: Learning with other kids can be helpful. They can learn from each other, share ideas, and see how others learn in different ways, discovering new approaches and strategies.

4. Becoming a Learning Expert

• Learning How to Learn: Teach your child how to figure out what works best for them when they are learning something new. This could involve trying different study techniques, experimenting with different learning environments, or asking themselves questions about how they understand information best.

This will help them become a confident and independent learner, able to adapt to new situations and challenges.

By helping your child explore different learning styles and understand their own strengths, you can help get ready to tackle any challenge with confidence! They'll be equipped with the tools and knowledge to succeed in their education and beyond.

Wrapping Up

So, you've learned about different learning styles and how to spot them in your child. You've even discovered some cool tricks to make learning more engaging and fun! Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to homeschooling.

By paying close attention to how your child learns and adjusting your teaching methods accordingly, you're creating a learning adventure that's tailor-made for them. Keep experimenting, stay flexible, and most importantly, have fun with it! You've got this!

Want to create a homeschooling experience that's perfectly tailored to your child's unique learning style?

The School House Anywhere (TSHA) offers a flexible and engaging approach to homeschooling that can be adapted to fit your child's individual needs and learning style.

Here's how TSHA can help:

• Personalized Learning: Our American Emergent Curriculum (AEC) is designed to be adaptable to different learning styles. You can choose the activities and lessons that work best for your child, and you can go at their own pace.

• Variety of Learning Activities: The AEC is packed with hands-on activities, games, projects, and different types of learning materials that cater to visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners.

• Expert Guidance: Our knowledgeable team of educators is here to assist you with any questions you have and provide guidance on recognizing your child's learning style. We can help you create an environment that caters to their unique needs and supports their learning journey.

• Supportive Community: Connect with other homeschooling families in our vibrant online community. Share ideas, ask questions, and find inspiration from others who are also understanding homeschooling and different learning styles.

Ready to create a homeschooling experience that's as unique as your child?

Join The School House Anywhere Today!