The Top 4 Learning Styles of Children
When it comes to learning and teaching, one method does not work for each child. Every person has a unique way of comprehending and learning information. Whether your child is a toddler, a preschooler, or a fourth grader, this is something you have probably already experienced. The sooner you identify your child’s learning style, the quicker you both will learn together.
Psychologists have categorized learning styles in various ways. Most people either have one dominant style of learning or a combination of two or more. Here are the top 4 learning techniques your child is most likely to prefer. Pick the one that best suits your child and see how you can use it to help him or her learn in a beneficial and efficient way.
- Logical: Also known as mathematical learners, these kids find it easy to trace patterns and form connections between objects, ideas and concepts. Logical kids are good at jigsaw puzzles and figuring out how things work. These little busy bees adjust easily to routines, but find it difficult to get excited about writing a poem or painting a picture.
- Visual: Also known as spatial learners, these kids can easily visualize stuff like images, pictures, objects and outcomes in their mind’s eye. If your car’s GPS system is broken, you can safely rely on these human navigation systems to guide you to your destination. Most visual learners are good with diagrams and maps, whether it involves drawing them or merely reading them. Lego construction toys are safe bets when it comes to buying birthday presents for these spatial learners. Don’t be too surprised if their teachers complain about their tendency to daydream in class!
- Verbal: Also known as linguistic learners, these kids think in terms of words, rather than figures or concepts. Once they’ve mastered the alphabet (and they’ll do so pretty quickly), they will be rather finicky about spelling and pronunciation. Reading is a favorite activity of verbal learners and most have an unusually good memory for names, dates and trivia. You’ll have a tough time beating them at Scrabble and other word games.
- Kinesthetic: Also known as physical learners, these kids are the most active of the lot and use plenty of gestures and other forms of body language to communicate. They are naturally adept at sports, mimicry and all activities that involve some sort of physical movement. Many kinesthetic learners tend to explore the world around them through physical sensations. Without a doubt, it is an uphill task to get these kids to sit still for more than a few minutes at a time!
It may not be easy to identify your child’s preferred learning technique. But just remember – all you need is a little bit of patience and a whole lot of observation. Use the information above and, sooner or later, you will be able to identify which learning style best suits your child’s needs!
