Whether we’re a parent of one, two, or more kids, we know how unique each little individual is, and that applies not only to their character but to their learning style as well. Every child processes, learns, and assimilates information differently. It’s important for us as parents to understand how their brains tick, so we can help them tap into their full potential.
Some children learn more effectively through visual aids, while others prefer auditory or kinaesthetic (hands-on) learning. Visual thinkers understand ideas with greater clarity through illustrations, graphs, or video media. Students who learn by listening excel in processing audio data and derive benefits from interactive dialogues, songs, or oral directions. Then there are kinaesthetic learners who are tactile and hands-on learners. They thrive through activity and sensory exposure.
How to identify your child’s learning style
Watch them while they are playing and how they listen to and follow instructions. This can show how they best respond to learning. For example, a child may switch off the moment you start verbally listing instructions. But if you had a chart with images, it may grab their interest, making it easier to absorb the information. Observing them can highlight patterns and valuable perspectives on their learning preferences.
Once you have identified your child’s preferred learning style, you can customise their learning activities to maximise their educational path. Each style involves different capacities of a child’s brain and utilises their individual gifts and proclivities.
Visual Learners
Visual learners understand and remember facts better through visual cues. They arrange data spatially and generate visual representations that help with their understanding. Children who learn visually also possess an impressive memory with the ability to recall detail with accuracy. Help reinforce their learning by encouraging drawing, including more visual aids, illustrative books, and age-appropriate media in learning and playing situations.
Auditory-based Learners
Young learners with high auditory processing abilities grasp and preserve knowledge by listening. Listening-based learning embraces the preschooler’s sound processing aptitude, which enables them to remember facts through verbal commands, conversations, music, and audio books. At home, encourage conversations with your child, where you can explain concepts and prompt them to ask questions, and utilise audio tools to enhance their learning experiences.
Kinaesthetic Learners
While hands-on learning benefits every child, it is often a preferred way of learning for many. Tactile learners learn from ‘doing’ and they excel in education when they take part in physical and experiential tasks. Incorporate activities that involve touch, manipulation, and motion, such as block construction, puzzles, clay or Play-Doh, performing scientific experiments, baking, or arts and crafts. Interactive activities enable kinaesthetic learners to explore, understand, and recall information through direct engagement.
Not all children fit into an exact category, and some may prefer combining different styles. Another aspect to consider is the type of surroundings in which a child thrives. Certain kids might need a peaceful and well-organised atmosphere, while others prefer an energetic and collaborative setting. Parents and teachers will see these preferences develop as children grow and operate in an academic environment.
Embracing Diverse Learners
New Life Childcare near Choa Chu Kang (In Junction 10) encourages a passion for learning within a nurturing environment. Knowledge is not only gained at school – everyday situations are also highly valuable learning opportunities.
By understanding and tackling the demands of every child’s distinct learning approach, parents and teachers can provide a stimulating and accomplished learning context. This tailored approach enhances their capacity to learn while cultivating a deep understanding and accurate recalling of information.
