Each Child Learns Differently Using Different Tools

As a parent, if you have several kids at home you will need to acknowledge the fact that each one learns differently with different tools. Different styles of learning affect how to manage the time and space to better encourage learning. Your desk/space is set up differently than your spouse’s. You may need music to help focus and your spouse may require silence. Children are the same, each with their own set of “special” environmental tools.

We provided a go-to information site from Education Planner.org with a quiz that will help you help your kids by figuring out their learning style. After taking the quiz read on about each style of learning and the tips to help them learn the best way for them. 

Auditory learners

They remember information better by hearing the information and playing it back in their mind. These types of learners do best by listening to lectures. Headphones connected to the computer will be helpful so they can listen and replay information without disturbing others in the room.

Tips to help them learn:

• Help them use a phone or iPad to read out loud and record their notes. They can listen to the information again on their iPod using iTunes.
• Have them read their notes aloud when studying.
• Work in a group where information can be shared and discussed.
• Tape lectures. Record the teacher Zoom times.
• Singing/ creating a song
• Use of metaphors/similes to compare and remember (as long as they are voiced)
• Use Internet resources like YouTube.com

Visual learners

These learners do best with pictures and charts. A dry-erase board and markers so the learner can draw out information is helpful.

Tips to help them learn:

• Doodle diagrams of written information in the margins
• Help them learn to create flowcharts for the progression notes and ideas
• Make flashcards that include pictures or diagrams as visual clues
• Highlight key information in texts or notes
• Use a computer to convert data and notes into charts, tables, graphics, pictures, etc
• Timelines – there are project Applications like “Asana.com” that have organization templates already to set up for use

Tactile or Kinesthetic learners

Learn by doing. Hands-on activities and real-life experiences help this person learn best. For instance, being able to write on a dry erase board to organize thoughts and draw out thoughts – then transpose that information into the computer.

Tips to help them learn:

• Type the notes out during class
• Create a YouTube video as a group to study later individually
• Write notes onto flashcards -Make posters
• Review flashcards while walking, at the gym, etc.
• Sit on an exercise ball or rocking chair to allow rhythmic movement while learning
• Read notes out loud
• As much as possible, create models for the information at hand
• Use the internet to research your subject material
• When possible, visit locations for your material (library, museum, historical sites, etc.) · To learn a sequence or equation, use one note card for each step.
• Highlight material when reviewing/studying
• Use a dry-erase or chalkboard to study or review
• Correlate physical movements/physical objects with ideas to learn.  An example would be to use blocks for math.

Reading/Writing learners

These learners like written material. They remember and comprehend information that is written and easy to review. The note-takers, do not like being distracted and will focus on a task until complete.

Tips to help them learn:

• Re-write notes after class.
• Use colored pens and highlighters to focus on key ideas
• Write notes to yourself in the margins
• Write out key concepts and ideas
• Compose short explanations for diagrams, charts, graphs
• Write out instructions for each step of a procedure or math problem
• Print out your notes for later review
• Repetitive writing

Kids, your new students, will not graciously sit at the dining room table together all day and learn

You will fare better if you do a little education planning and help each child set up their workspace according to their learning style and needs. Prep work is always the hardest task, but it pays off in the long run. The silver lining to all of this is, families are bonding and learning more about each other than ever before. Work as a team to create a lifelong tribe of love and just a little bit of independence.