Learning Styles

Learning Styles

We want our children to love learning and to get the most out of their time studying, but how do we do that?  One way to help your child is to help him or her to understand what learning style best fits them.  I want to share with you how to help you and your child recognize his or her learning style and what strategies will best help him or her to gain the most from their learning.  Your child may have more than one learning style too!

Assessment

First, here is a quick assessment you can give your child to help them see how they like to learn.  However, if your child is young, this may not be as reliable.  You may need to observe them in each of these situations and see how they respond.

Strategies for Visual Learners

Here are some strategies for visual learners who need to observe things...

• Use colored highlighters
• Study in a quiet environment without visual distractions
• Create drawings and illustrations in notes
• Use diagrams, models, and charts
• Sit near the teacher
• Usually understands written instructions (or pictures/diagrams) better than oral instructions
• Needs to draw math problems

Visual strategies for YOUNG students learning to read...

• Let your child write captions to favorite pictures to describe what is happening.
• Let your child create illustrations to the lyrics of their favorite song.
• Create an "I Go To..." book.  First, you will need to collect symbols from the stores or restaurants you go to a lot.  Then, staple pages together to make a book and on each page, write "I go to...".  Allow your child to cut the symbols from the grocery store bag with the store's name on it and glue it on one page.  For another page, you may want to use a napkin that has the restaurant's name and symbol on it.  When you finish your child will be able to read their own book that they made and these words will become sight words for them!
• You could create so many types of books with your child.  Here are some examples.
• Favorite Foods
• Each page would say "I like to eat..." and use the method above.  You may need to print pictures of food with the name of the food.
• Favorite Animals
• Each page could say "One of my favorite animals is a ..."
• Favorite Places
• Each page could say "One of my favorite places is..."
• Favorite Activities
• Each page could say "I like to play..."
• Click on this link for GREAT ideas!
• Visual Learning Strategies and Activities for Visual Learners

Strategies for Auditory Learners

Here are some strategies for auditory learners who need to hear things...

• Discuss topics with others
• Explain new ideas to other people
• Read out loud
• Work with a partner to explain what he or she is learning
• Find a study buddy
• Participate in class discussions
• Record yourself reading key terms and definitions out loud

Auditory strategies for YOUNG students learning to read...

• Go to story time at the library
• Let them follow along as you read to them
• Have them read out loud
• Read a recipe and cook the dish together
• Create an "I Go To..." book.  First, you will need to collect symbols from the stores or restaurants you go to a lot.  Then, staple pages together to make a book and on each page, write "I go to...".  Allow your child to cut the symbols from the grocery store bag with the store's name on it and glue it on one page.  For another page, you may want to use a napkin that has the restaurant's name and symbol on it.  When you finish have your child read their own book out loud.  Eventually these words will become sight words for them!
• You could create so many types of books with your child.  Here are some examples.
• Favorite Foods
• Each page would say "I like to eat..." and use the method above.  You may need to print pictures of food with the name of the food.
• Favorite Animals
• Each page could say "One of my favorite animals is a ..."
• Favorite Places
• Each page could say "One of my favorite places is..."
• Favorite Activities
• Each page could say "I like to play..."
• Click on this link for GREAT ideas!
• Activities for Auditory Learners

Strategies for Kinesthetic Learners

Here are some strategies for kinesthetic learners who need to move around or touch things...

• Works well with hands
• Needs to be able to touch things and explore
• Can remember things better using their feelings
• Create schedules
• Walk around while reading or studying
• Use flash cards
• Creating projects is helpful
• Needs to avoid distractions

Kinesthetic strategies for YOUNG students learning to read...

• Go to the library and let your child get a library card and check out books.
• Read a book together and then let your child play dress up and act out the book.
• Make an alphabet poster and glue pictures of things on it that start with each letter.
• Build a reading fort to read in
• Have a reading picnic
• Create an "I Go To..." book.  First, you will need to collect symbols from the stores or restaurants you go to a lot.  Then, staple pages together to make a book and on each page, write "I go to...".  Allow your child to cut the symbols from the grocery store bag with the store's name on it and glue it on one page.  For another page, you may want to use a napkin that has the restaurant's name and symbol on it.  When you finish your child will be able to read their own book that they made and these words will become sight words for them!
• You could create so many types of books with your child.  Here are some examples.
• Favorite Foods
• Each page would say "I like to eat..." and use the method above.  You may need to print pictures of food with the name of the food.
• Favorite Animals
• Each page could say "One of my favorite animals is a ..."
• Favorite Places
• Each page could say "One of my favorite places is..."
• Favorite Activities
• Each page could say "I like to play..."
• Click on this link for GREAT ideas!  
• 21 Kinesthetic Reading Activities to Get Students Up and Moving

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The Importance of Reading Daily

Do We Really Need to Read Every Day?
Today, I want to share some thoughts on reading.  I know that sometimes we think, "Do we really need to make our kids read every night?"  However, it is so important!  I want to share this image with you to show the importance of reading 20 minutes every night.

Variety is the Key!
As you can see, in order for a child to become a better reader, they need to read.  I know some children have not discovered a love for reading yet.  But hold on... they will once they find something that interests them.  This is why it is important to give them all kinds of material to read.  Children  may love mysteries, realistic fiction, funny books, comics, sports magazines, poetry, non-fiction, or something not even listed here.  Children need a variety of reading material, but you don't need to buy a lot of books.  The school library and the public library are a great resource.

Just Right Books!
It is very important that the material your child reads is not too hard for them.  One way to determine this is by asking your child's teacher what level your child is reading.  If that is not available, you can use the five finger rule.  If your child does not know five words on a page, then it is too hard for them.  It is also important that your child can tell you about what they read.  Be sure to ask your child to tell you some details about what they have read.  If this is too difficult for them to do at the end of the book, then you could try having your child tell you what happened at the end of each page or at the end of each chapter.  Reading comprehension is so important!

Time to Read!
I would encourage you to set a certain time for reading every day.  You could take turns reading with your child.  You could also read a book to your child, and then let them read a book to you.  As they get older, you can still read to your child.  However, they may want to curl up and read a chapter book on their own.  Older children may even want to read to their younger siblings.  Reading time can look different each day and that's ok as long as they are reading!

An Excellent Resource!
Children gain so much from being read to by an adult.  However, during these days of at home learning, you may be trying to work from home and make sure your child completes their school work.  You may not always have time to read to your child as much as they would like.  There is a great website where children can listen to the author of a book read their book aloud.  It is found at https://www.storylineonline.net/.  It is a great resource!

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At Home Learning

I hope this blog will be a place where we can share ideas and help students to grow as learners!
To begin with,  I really want to share ideas with parents that might be helpful as we all go through this season of at-home learning. First, I want to say thank you to all of the parents teaching their children from home right now. Many of you are still working and trying to balance your work with teaching your child or children. Take a deep breath. You've got this! After all, you were your child's first teacher!

Schedules

So that everyone in your home knows what is expected, a schedule can be extremely helpful!  It does not need to be a rigid schedule.  However, students are used to structure and schedules at school; therefore, this may help them to accomplish what is needed at home.  I would encourage you to establish times for school work, reading, exercise, and playtime.  You may even want to include a time for chores!  No matter what, be sure to give yourself and your child opportunities for breaks!  For your child, breaks could be in the form of playing outside, going for a walk with you, or even giving them some alone time.  No one learns well if they are frustrated and breaks are a great way to relieve some frustration.   You can download a free schedule template by clicking on the following link... Free Schedule Template.

Goals

Setting daily and weekly goals can be extremely helpful!  It is a great way for children to know what they are reaching for and to see what they have accomplished!  These goals can be for home and school.  You can get in on this too and allow your child to see you accomplishing your goals!  You can cheer each other on!

Check out these free goal setting sheets!  Goal Setting Template, Goal Setting Template 2     

Boredom

Remember, it's alright for your child to be bored sometimes.  Actually, studies say this down time is good for our children.  When children are constantly entertained by others, they do not have the opportunity to develop skills that entertaining themselves allows.  For example, a little boredom allows children to be creative and to use their imaginations.  You could create a "Boredom Box" with open ended playing opportunities.  This could include puzzles, art supplies, building toys, books, or anything that encourages the use of their imagination.

Teachable Moments

I would encourage you to look at everyday tasks as teachable moments.  Whether you are cooking, grocery shopping, or just going for a walk, there is always something to observe and learn.  Let your child help you look around and be amazed!

Final Thoughts

Be sure to celebrate every success, take a deep breath (and a break) if you or your child becomes frustrated, and reach out to your child's teacher any time you need more direction!  If you have thoughts or questions, please share them in the comments.  The next blog post will be all about helping your child with reading.  Please sign up with your email on the link on the right hand column so that you will get notifications when there is a new post.  Thank you so much for all you do!

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