Learning Styles: A Parent's Cheat Sheet

By Jenni Hanley

When it comes to processing new information, most of us draw on a mix of different learning styles, sometimes auditory, sometimes visual, sometimes through a hands-on approach. Often it depends on the type of task at hand, but many of us tend to favor one way of learning more than the others. Is your oldest a whiz with numbers? Does his sis love to make lists? Let our “cheat sheet” help you recognize your child’s preferred learning style:

Visual:

• Draws charts and graphs
• May not respond to auditory instructions
• Good at reading maps

Auditory:

• Preference for information heard or spoken
• Can repeat information immediately after hearing it
• Sorts things out by speaking

Kinesthetic:

• Moves frequently
• Gets bored during lectures
• Enjoys hands-on activities and practical application

Reading/Writing:

• Makes lists
• Prefers written information
• Rewrites notes

Once you’ve identified your child’s learning style, you can look for ways to play up those strengths. Check out “Learning Curves” (June 2011), with suggestions for helping kids in the classroom, plus fun local outings for every kind of learner.