It is said that each of us has a preferred learning style, by this I mean the way a person absorbs, processes, comprehends, and retains information. I am sure you know yours. Whether it is reading textbooks, listening to a lecture and taking notes, or watching a video, certain methods just seem to ‘click’.

Connecting your child’s learning style with an approach and method best suited to his or her needs is instrumental to the success of your homeschool endeavors. This ability to personalize each child’s education is the beauty of home educating.

If you have missed any of the blogs in this series you can get caught up below.

• New to Homeschool? Start Here
• Choosing Curriculum Part 1: An Overview
• Choosing Curriculum Part 2: The Four Main Approaches to Home Education
• Choosing Curriculum Part 3: The Parent as Educator
• Choosing a Curriculum: Part 4 The Needs of Your Child

So, how does one determine a child’s preferred learning style?

Understanding your child’s learning style may take a bit of time and effort. If your child is older, or has some school experience, you (and they) may already have an idea of what works best for them and equally as important, what doesn’t. In fact, a common reason parents give for withdrawing a child from public school is that the institution is not equipped to teach their child the way they need to learn.

If your child is young or unable to communicate their preferences verbally you may have to closely observe them as he or she plays and interacts with their environment in order to determine their preferred style(s).

It should be noted that while people show a preference for certain learning styles, this does not mean they are unable to learn using other means. In fact, many people learn best when two or more styles are combined. This eclectic approach is what our family uses. I was once told that the more senses used when one processes information the better retained it will be. It seems there is truth in the old adage “see it, say it, read it, write it”.

What are the different learning styles?

There are several different models of learning styles. These include the VARK, Kolb, Hermann Brain Dominance, and Felder-Silverman models. In this blog I will be addressing the VARK model of learning.

VARK is an acronym which stands for Visual, Auditory, Read and Write, and Kinesthetic/Tactile. It was developed by New Zealand teacher and school inspector Neil Fleming who observed over 9,000 class lessons. The VARK model officially launched in 1987. Some cognitive psychologists dismiss Fleming’s observations but VARK remains one of the most prevalent learning models. It is taught to educators, and many use it in their classrooms.

Here are the characteristics of each modality and specific strategies or techniques you can use to personalize your child’s education.

1. Visual Learners

 

The Characteristics of Visual Learners

Your child may be a visual learner if he or she:

• has a vivid imagination
• is observant and pays careful attention to details
• is generally quiet in nature
• prefers a similar schedule each day, dislikes change – is a ‘creature of habit’
• enjoys reading (and are usually good spellers – likely because they read)
• organizes their thoughts by writing them down – takes notes, makes lists, writes in a journal
• is good at remembering faces, not names
• demonstrate emotions using facial expressions

Educational Strategies for Visual Learners

• plan in advance – create a schedule or daily routine they can refer to
• have a neat, organized space for them to learn (chaos bothers and distracts them)
• use maps, diagrams, comparison charts
• use highlighters to emphasize important information
• encourage note taking so he/she can refer to it later
• read books with illustrations
• avoid lengthy lectures
• use videos
• flash cards
• copy information in their own handwriting- utilize copywork

---

As an affiliate, I may earn compensation from products purchased through these links.

---

2. Aural Learners

An auditory learner prefers to hear information.

The Characteristics of Auditory Learners

• is extroverted, enjoys being around others
• has good verbal skills, is articulate and likes to talk, may talk to themselves
• enjoys listening to music
• loses concentration easily when reading
• move their lips when reading
• prefers spoken directions rather than written
• can accurately remember conversations
• pick up foreign language/words easily
• show emotion by the tone, pitch and volume of their voice
• good at remembering names, not faces

Educational Strategies for Auditory Learners

• use video and audio resources – use audible books or books on CD
• lectures, podcasts (record lectures if possible, he/she may wish to hear them more than once)
• group discussion, talk things through
• read aloud
• verbal directions
• verbal recitation and repetition – such as spelling bees, listening to/creating songs about topics
• use/create rhymes, songs or mnemonic devices to remember information
• presentations, debate, and discussion of topics
• ask questions
• work in a group or with someone else
• have them ‘teach’ someone else what they are learning
• have them record themselves reciting the information, then have them listen to it

3. Read and Write Learners

Note- sometimes the read/write portion is left out, initially this model was known as VAK. As the name suggests, these people prefer to ingest information through the written word.

Traditional school settings favor the read and write method.

The Characteristics of Read and Write Learners

• loves to read
• keeps a journal
• write lists
• is interested in word meanings

Educational Strategies for Read and Write Learners

• read books!
• encourage note-taking and lists
• use worksheets and written assignments, including essays
• use handouts
• use a dictionary and thesaurus
• copy out notes
• re-read notes repeatedly
• re-write notes using other words
• write spelling words multiple times
• use multiple-choice questions

4. Kinesthetic Learners

Also called the “Hands On” Approach, kinesthetic learners prefer to be involved physically with their studies.

The Characteristics of Kinesthetic Learners

• has a hard times sitting still
• make hand gestures when talking
• enjoys trying new things
• is compelled to touch and feel objects
• is specific about the texture and comfort of their clothes
• likes to try things out themselves, to participate in activities
• remembers what they have done rather than what they have been told
• are easily distracted, have a hard time paying attention to lectures
• doesn’t enjoy reading, would rather do activities
• is a poor speller
• shows emotion by body tension and/or posturing

Educational Strategies for Kinesthetic Learners

• allow movement while listening (pacing, dance, bounce on a yoga ball, jump on a trampoline)
• give hands on experiences, encourage participation and touch
• hands on problem solving
• simulation and practice – repetition
• use case studies and demonstrations
• use the computer to type information
• allow the use of markers, pens, and pencils when writing
• allow them to write on a white board, large poster paper, or chalkboard
• use their finger on tracing boards, or write spelling words in rice, salt, or other medium
• flash cards
• use charts and diagrams – have them organize them in the correct sequence
• play games such as Jeopardy or 20 Questions

Many kids will show a preference for more than one learning style. In this case, you will combine pertinent educational strategies to create a program best suited to your child.

If you wish to check the accuracy of your observations, or are having difficulty deciding which style your child prefers, there are some resources and tests available online. Here’s a link to a blog written by Michele Meleen, M.S. Ed. in which she describes several testing options.

The goal of this series is to educate the parent new to homeschool, to provide some basic information about the process, and to make curricula selection more manageable (it can be overwhelming).

Considering the preferences and needs of both parent and child, as well as the goals you have for your family is a necessary step in the selection process. It is prudent to learn about all the available approaches, methods, and styles before deciding which to use. Without researching this information yourself you may choose a program recommended by a friend, possibly missing out on a method, style, or curricula better suited to your family.

Next week I will provide a summary of several homeschool philosophies or methods utilized by curricula creators. The blog will include specific examples of curricula and/or resources associated with each method.