Styles of Learning, by Marcia

Have you ever heard about learning styles? If you have, do you know what kind of learner you are? People learn in different ways. There are three different proven learning styles, and we can identify a good example of these when we observe children learning. Many children are remarkably strong in learning in one way or style. Some children are often a mix between two different learning styles; however there is always one that is stronger. Sometimes, if parents or teachers do not know that when they try to explain or teach something to these children, it could be frustrating for them and for the children too. But if teachers and parents teach in harmony with children’s learning styles, it will make learning more effective. The three different learning styles of children are visual, auditory, and tactile.

The visual learning style is one of the ways that children learn. Children who are strong visualizers can learn more and better when they use their eyes. By watching videos, looking at flash cards or drawings, and having visual aids, these children can remember visual details. They like to have paper and colors to draw whatever they learn. Visual learners like to play with puzzles, mazes, Legos, and other toys. If these children are in school, they usually sit where they can see all that is happening in the classroom. Sometimes, visual learners have problems concentrating if there are distractions around them, so it is better for them to be alone and in complete silence while studying.

The second learning style is auditory. Children who are auditory learners enjoy conversations and listening to music. They prefer to read out loud or to hear a story. In that way, they can remember it. When these children learn something, they repeat it in order to remember what they heard. Sometimes, children who are auditory learners are better at understanding oral instructions than at understanding written instructions. Auditory learners sometimes even talk to themselves when they are bored or alone.

The third kind of learner is the tactile learner. These are the children who learn through their sense of touch. They learn through physical sensations. These kids are usually moving around when they are listening or talking, and when they talk, they regularly move their hands. Tactile learners also enjoy physical activities because they help them remember what they are learning better. They like to try out everything they are learning. Children who are tactile learners usually eat when studying or watching TV. Children within this group are naturally athletic and enjoy sports.

In conclusion, knowing about learning styles can help you realize how children learn and how you can better help them. Remember, children are visual learners when they learn well with all kinds of visual aids. Children are auditory learners when they read out loud or listen to stories to remember what they are learning. And finally, children are tactile learners if they want to touch or try out everything that they are leaning about. After having read about the three main learning styles children have, can you identify with any of these learning styles? If so, now is the time for you to start teaching yourself properly.