Everyone—learning disability or not—has their own unique learning style. Some people learn best by seeing or reading, others by listening, and still others by doing. You can help a child with a learning disability by identifying their primary learning style.
Is your child a visual learner, an auditory learner, or a kinesthetic learner? Once you’ve figured out how they learn best, you can take steps to make sure that type of learning is reinforced in the classroom and during home study. The following lists will help you determine what type of learner your child is.
Is your child a visual learner?
If your child is a visual learner, they:
- Learn best by seeing or reading
- Do well when material is presented and tested visually, not verbally
- Benefit from written notes, directions, diagrams, charts, maps, and pictures
- May love to draw, read, and write; are probably a good speller
Is your child an auditory learner?
If your child is an auditory learner, they:
- Learn best by listening
- Do well in lecture-based learning environments and on oral reports and tests
- Benefit from classroom discussions, spoken directions, study groups
- May love music, languages, and being on stage
Is your child a kinesthetic learner?
If your child is a kinesthetic learner, they:
- Learn best by doing and moving
- Do well when they can move, touch, explore, and create in order to learn
- Benefit from hands-on activities, lab classes, props, skits, and field trips
- May love sports, drama, dance, martial arts, and arts and crafts
Studying Tips for Different Types of Learners
Tips for visual learners:
- Use books, videos, computers, visual aids, and flashcards.
- Make detailed, color-coded or high-lighted notes.
- Make outlines, diagrams, and lists.
- Use drawings and illustrations (preferably in color).
- Take detailed notes in class.
Tips for auditory learners:
- Read notes or study materials out loud.
- Use word associations and verbal repetition to memorize.
- Study with other students. Talk things through.
- Listen to books on tape or other audio recordings.
- Use a tape recorder to listen to lectures again later.
Tips for kinesthetic learners:
- Get hands on. Do experiments and take field trips.
- Use activity-based study tools, like role-playing or model building.
- Study in small groups and take frequent breaks.
- Use memory games and flash cards.
- Study with music on in the background.