How to Identify Your Child’s Learning Style

Understanding how your child learns best is one of the most impactful steps you can take in supporting their education. Every child is unique, and discovering their preferred learning style can make studying more enjoyable and effective, improve academic performance, and build self-confidence. In this blog post, a Catholic School in Ireland explores what learning styles are, how to spot them, and practical ways to support each one.

What Are Learning Styles?

Learning styles refer to the preferred ways individuals process information. While there are several theories, one of the most widely used frameworks is the VARK model, which includes:

• Visual Learners – Prefer to see and observe things, such as pictures, diagrams, and written directions.
• Auditory Learners – Learn best through listening to spoken instructions, music, or discussions.
• Reading/Writing Learners – Gravitate toward information displayed as words; love lists, notes, and written explanations.
• Kinaesthetic Learners – Prefer using their body, hands, and sense of touch; they learn through doing and experiencing.

Many children show a mix of styles, but usually one is dominant.

Signs to Identify Your Child’s Learning Style

Visual Learners:

• Love art, colours, and drawing.
• Remember what they see more than what they hear.
• Prefer charts, diagrams, and written instructions.
• May get distracted by too much verbal instruction.

How to Support Them:

• Use colour-coded notes and visual schedules.
• Watch educational videos together.
• Encourage drawing to express ideas or summarise lessons.

Auditory Learners:

• Enjoy music and stories read aloud.
• Talk through problems or ideas.
• Easily recall spoken instructions.
• Like to read aloud or speak when studying.

How to Support Them:

• Read assignments out loud.
• Use audiobooks and songs to teach concepts.
• Discuss homework and have study conversations.

Reading/Writing Learners:

• Thrive on lists, definitions, and written information.
• Prefer to write things down to learn.
• Excel in traditional school settings with textbooks and workbooks.

How to Support Them:

• Provide plenty of reading materials.
• Encourage journaling and summarising lessons.
• Let them rewrite notes to reinforce understanding.

Kinaesthetic Learners:

• Love physical activity and hands-on tasks.
• May struggle with sitting still for long periods.
• Learn best by doing, building, or role-playing.

How to Support Them:

• Use learning games and experiments.
• Incorporate movement into lessons (e.g., jumping to spell words).
• Break tasks into short, interactive segments.

Tools and Activities by Learning Style

Identifying your child’s learning style isn’t about boxing them in—it’s about empowering them to learn in the way that comes most naturally. Start by observing their habits and preferences during homework or play, and don’t be afraid to mix and match techniques to find what works. As children grow, their style may evolve, so keep an open mind and stay responsive to their changing needs. By recognising and nurturing your child’s learning style, you’ll not only help them academically but also foster a lifelong love of learning.

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