Hot Parenting Topic of the Month
LEARNING STYLES:
Allowing Children to Unmold
by Diane Lamarche-Bisson
One of the quotes in my press release states that when trying to instill values in
children, "Kids are like modelling clay". However, when attempting to analyze the
way they learn, there is an urgency to allow them to "unmold", if one can use that
term. We as caregivers: parent, teacher, and tutor etc., need to create an
environment where the child is given the freedom to go past the set parameters that
are oftentimes imposed on him. Opening the door to experimentation and creativity
is one of the ways we can guide children to discover their strengths and abilities,
and to recognize their weaknesses.
My focus on the three main learning styles has contributed greatly to the proven
success in working with children and young people.
- the auditory which comprises:
- the listening learner
- the verbal learner
- the visual which comprises:
- the print learner
- the picture learner
- the kinesthetic which comprises:
- the tactile learner
If your child/student is an auditory learner,
- he will learn best by listening or speaking:
- The listening learner often enjoys doing homework while listening to music.
Some perform best when listening to a tape. This type of learner has an ear
for music and can usually play an instrument.
- The verbal learner is more aggressive in his approach to the given
information. He speaks the words that represent exactly how he understands.
He will need opportunities to express verbally what he is learning. He can
solve problems by talking about them.
- he will learn best by listening to the information and being able to repeat it
back to the parent/teacher.
- he "most likely will not enjoy" a lot of writing and long periods of
silent reading.
Of all the learning styles, the auditory learner is the most talkative. He likes to
discuss but can become easily distracted in the conversation.
If your child/student is a visual learner,
- he will learn best by pictures or words:
- The picture learner will see images in his mind which explains the reason
why he may have a difficult time with reading and spelling. To him, letters
represent sounds and not pictures.
- The print learner will think in words. He is confused with illustrations.
It might be best if he reads and writes the information to be retained.
- he prefers to be left alone to read and to study quietly.
- he most likely will want to write down the incoming auditory information.
- he may want to translate the visual information into words.
- he loves to draw and color. He needs to underline or highlight the information.
- he is usually organized in his work. His writing is neat. His binders, desk and
bedroom are usually well kept.
- he "most likely will not choose" role-playing or listening activities.
If your child/student is a kinesthetic learner,
- he will learn best by using a combination of learning styles.
- He may need to listen (auditory) and to look at (visual) the given
information.
- He may then need to repeat it (verbal) in his own words. He may also have to
write, type or even draw (tactile) the information to be retained.
- he is likely to walk around while studying.
- he will need to work in short spurts, not in concentrated blocks of time.
- he is usually skilled at dancing and in athletics.
- he has a lot of energy which oftentimes gets him in trouble. He is usually
restless, fidgety and in constant motion. Many times he is labelled hyperactive.
- he often appears to be disorganized but to this type of learner it is more like
"organized confusion".
- a sense of time is difficult for him. He does not see out into the future; he
only sees the present moment which explains why he struggles understanding the
consequences of his actions.
- he "most likely will not enjoy" writing and listening activities. Sitting for
long periods of time is extremely difficult for him.
If your child/student is a tactile learner,
- he will best understand and retain the information to be learned if he can
touch it, play with it, and manipulate it. Hands-on activities are the best
tools for this type of learner.
- he will enjoy a typewriter, a computer and a calculator.
- he enjoys drawing and likes writing with chalk or using a whiteboard.
- he will learn best through experimenting, trial and error, going on trips and
visits.
- he will not enjoy long reading projects and listening activities.
- he "most likely will not like" workbooks or worksheets.
Based on my many years of working with children of different ages and backgrounds I
know that once a child’s preferred way of learning is identified, addressed and
respected, his potential is unlimited.
For all of us who love and work with children, let’s break the mold and
"Celebrate what THE CHILD is all about!"
Diane Lamarche-Bisson, B.A.
Special Education Specialist
To find out more about Diane's creative and helpful books from her series,
"I want to help my child with...", click on the links below:
- Social Skills
- Behavior Management
- Dyslexia
- Reading Skills
- Mathematics
To learn more about author, Diane Lamarche-Bisson,
click here.
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