(Emma Taylor)
Learning is a fundamental skill that everyone possesses. Babies learn how to survive, as well as critical language skills, and movement from the moment they are born. Parents can help to enhance their child’s learning process, and help their children develop skills that they will use for a lifetime.
1. Research Learning Styles
The first step is to become an expert on learning styles. There are many websites online that describe the three main styles of learning. They include:
- Auditory: This encompasses children that learn and memorise things by listening to them being spoken. By repeating the information themselves, it becomes solidified in their memory. These kids are great at memorising songs, poems, and other spoken material.
- Kinesthetic/Tactile: Children who are tactile learners must manipulate the problem themselves in order to come up with a solution. These kids are science fair project winners, and thrive on doing experiments. When they see the information being used in a practical setting, they can remember how the information is used.
- Visual: Visual learners must see the information, and write it down themselves in order to store it in their memory. Whether this means seeing a sentence structure mapped out or solving a math problem on the chalk board, a visual is required in order to comprehend the information. These learners learn best by taking notes, watching videos, and reading.
2. Observe
Now that you are aware of the different learning styles and what each of them entails, you need to determine which style best fits your child. Keep in mind that your child may exhibit a few different learning styles, and is not limited to learning in just one dimension. Here are a few things to watch for when looking for your child’s learning style:
- Find your child’s interests. Kids that enjoy watching movies or writing poetry may be visual learners. Those that love to listen to music and dance may be auditory learners. If your child is into physical movement and sports, then they may be tactile learners.
- Watch to see how your child prefers to express themselves. While visual learners have dramatic facial expressions, auditory learners may use words to project their feelings. Tactile learners will often use body language to get their point across.
- Notice how your child tends to solve their problems. Tactile learners will find a hands-on solution. When faced with a problem, visual learners will look around for a possible solution. Auditory learners, on the other hand, will want to discuss the potential solutions before making a decision on which one to choose.
3. Schooling Methods
Whether you are deciding on a good school curriculum for your child, or you simply want to supplement your child’s education at home, knowing the learning style of your child can help you to decide where to start. If your child is a kinesthetic learner, they may be better off being placed in a Montessori School. Their practices include hands-on, real-world experiences. Traditional schooling is adequate for visual and auditory learners.
4. Create Customised Activities
When strategizing lesson plans for your child, think of something that will involve their particular learning style. For instance, if your child is a visual learner, you may want to help them create a poster involving the subject matter, or write an article about it. Auditory learners might love reading aloud, singing, answering questions, and having a conversation discussing the topic at hand. Tactile learners will want to use their bodies by dancing, or being involved in a hands-on project or experiment. Whichever way your child learns, you can customize the perfect opportunity for them to grow.
5. Broaden Their Strengths, Strengthen Their Weaknesses
Your child must understand that not everyone will always cater to their learning style, and there will be times when they will have to compromise with the learning style that is being utilized. For example, not every professor at the university will engage the class in group activities, or have open discussions about the subject matter. Teach your child what to do in order to strengthen the learning styles that they may be weak in.
Although some learning is innate, teaching your child how to manipulate their learning abilities, and maximize their knowledge will put them at an advantage. Learning how to approach new situations and obtain knowledge is an essential skill that you can teach your child.
