Meeting your Child’s Learning Styles
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
What impact does it have when we cater to various learning styles in teaching? How can you identify the learning styles of your child?
Educators have pondered these questions for years, and the most dedicated teachers will keep seeking improved answers. These are important questions to explore, yet sometimes the solutions are more straightforward than expected. Here are some quick tips to help you address your students' learning styles, regardless of what they may be!
Memletics Learning Styles
Memletics Learning Styles include a range of sensory and cognitive preferences such as
visual,
auditory,
verbal,
kinesthetic,
logical,
interpersonal, and
intrapersonal styles.
1. Visual/Spatial Learners
Visual learners often perform well in school because many teachers recognize the importance of using the board for instruction. These students absorb information through visual means, making visual input essential for their learning. Here are some strategies to meet the needs of these students.
Embrace the textbook. Assign reading and book work to allow these students to view the necessary information on the printed page.
Utilize the whiteboard. You likely do this already, but even in beginner classes, write vocabulary and grammatical structures on the board for these students to observe.
Offer visual aids whenever possible. These could be picture dictionaries, tangible items, and object lessons.
2. Bodily/Kinesthetic Learners
Kinesthetic learners are often overlooked in traditional classrooms, where movement during class isn't typically encouraged. However, with well-planned activities, these learners can thrive in a homeschool setting.
Consider using total physical response, an effective teaching method. I've found this approach especially beneficial at the beginner level.
Incorporate games using dice, cards, popsicle sticks, or other manipulatives. Teaching vocabulary becomes enjoyable and engaging when students can physically interact with the words.
Encourage your students to take notes during class. Although they need to process the information they hear, the act of writing helps them internalize what they are listening to.
Similar to note-taking, urge students to annotate their textbooks (if they won't be reused for future classes). Highlighting and writing notes in the margins assist students in retaining the information they read.
3. Aural Learners (auditory, music, rhythmic)
Auditory learners will grasp information most effectively when they hear you explain a new idea, and they'll also gain from listening to a native English speaker.
Encourage your students to read aloud. Reading directions out loud is especially useful for test-taking. Remind them to be considerate of their classmates, but hearing the directions rather than just reading them can significantly impact their test results.
Many classes already incorporate speaking activities, which are beneficial for auditory learners, but don’t restrict them to speaking classes. Providing opportunities for students to converse and collaborate will enhance their skills in areas ranging from grammar to writing.
Feel free to energize your class by incorporating songs that demonstrate grammar or teach a concept. (Think School House Rock) There are hundreds of such songs available online, and you’ll be amazed at how catchy some of them are.
If you are teaching elementary, don’t underestimate the importance of chants in the classroom. Simply having your students sit in a circle and maintain a rhythm by clapping on their legs can be crucial for helping them remember the lesson of the day.
4. Verbal/Linguistic Learners
Verbal or linguistic learners naturally thrive in language classes, and your homeschool class will be similar. You'll likely find it easy to identify these students as they grasp languages with minimal effort and often sound most like native speakers. Linguistic learners will engage well with any language-based activities, which are central to the class, so special accommodations aren't necessary unless it's to provide them with additional challenges.
Incorporating word puzzles, games, and tongue twisters into your lessons will engage your linguistic learners and bring some excitement to classroom activities for them.
5. Logical/Mathematical Learners
Logical and mathematical learners thrive through structured and methodical approaches or by engaging with mathematical and abstract ideas. You can incorporate targeted activities in your homeschool curriculum to engage these enthusiasts of hard sciences.
While teaching grammar, dedicate time to sentence diagramming and linguistic sentence trees. Your logical learners will value the linguistic science underlying the grammar.
Embrace the use of abstract diagrams or visuals in your lessons, as these will greatly appeal to these learners.
Logical learners will also enjoy word puzzles and the opportunity to decipher grammar independently before you provide the class with an explanation.
6. Solitary/Intrapersonal Learners
Students who excel at independent learning might find a highly communicative class more difficult than other students. Here are some strategies to support these students and reduce their potential stress.
Incorporate learning stations in your classroom. Establish a few stations and let students work independently for a short period each day to cater to independent learners' needs.
Occasionally plan independent activities in class. You can assign textbook exercises or provide worksheets. While it's best to limit these activities, don't eliminate them entirely.
7. Social/Interpersonal Learners
Learners who thrive on social or interpersonal interaction learn most effectively through engaging with others. This learner type is often easiest to address in the classroom, as many educators frequently incorporate group activities. Here are some strategies to effectively engage these learners.
Invite conversation partners from another homeschool family. When these students engage with native speakers, they will learn language points that arise during the conversation.
Organize group activities during class time. Creating discussion groups within your class will fulfill these students’ need to collaborate with others.
Encourage groups to solve problems collectively. Instead of providing all the answers, allow your class to discover solutions independently. Consider using a jigsaw and similar activities.
Conduct interviews with native speakers and people on the street. Whenever these learners interact with native speakers, especially with a specific goal, they will thrive.
In the end, keep in mind that everyone learns using a mix of learning styles.
For some individuals, one style is distinctly more prevalent. For others, they may learn equally effectively through two or three styles. Nevertheless, educators who incorporate activities tailored to all learning styles will see their students become successful language learners.
For a Memletics Learning Style Screening for your child, please contact me for a screening and consultation.
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