Have you ever heard the expression, "Knowledge is power."? I don't think I ever really understood on a deep level the truthfulness of this statement until I started working with neurodivergent kids. I developed an even deeper understanding of this statement when my son was diagnosed with ASD and ADHD in his early twenties. This statement became even more relevant when I, myself, was diagnosed with ADHD later in life. Knowing who you are- your strengths, your limitations, your abilities and the way your brain works can be an amazing key to unlocking your success - whatever that means for you.
There are lots of ways a person can learn more about themselves these days. There are countless personality tests, strengths assessments, values quizzes - the list goes on. One of the most powerful assessments out there these days, in my humble opinion, is the learning styles quiz. Learning about how you learn can change the game for how you approach learning and it can empower you to not only understand yourself better but it can empower you to advocate for yourself in any environment, really.
So, imagine if you could help your child learn more about how THEY learn? Imagine that your child can unlock their own learning potential and imagine seeing their confidence soar and enthusiasm for learning bloom!
So, what exactly are learning styles? In simple terms, learning styles are ways people prefer to absorb, process, and retain information. While everyone is unique, many learners can be grouped into a few main categories.
1. Visual Learners
If your child loves to doodle, relies on charts, or remembers things better with pictures, they might be a visual learner. These kiddos can benefit from graphs, infographics, and color-coded notes. Encourage them to use visual aids in their studies or let them create mind maps to organize information!
2. Auditory Learners
Does your child enjoy listening to music, podcasts, or stories? If they find themselves humming along to a catchy tune or repeating things out loud to remember them, they’re likely an auditory learner. For these children, discussions, verbal instructions, and audiobooks can work wonders. Encourage them to verbalize their thoughts or study in groups where they can talk things out!
3. Kinesthetic Learners
If your child can't sit still for long, preferring to pinch, poke, or physically engage with their environment, they may be a kinesthetic learner. These kids learn best through hands-on experiences and movement. Incorporate activities such as role-playing, building models, or even using fidget tools to help them stay engaged while learning new concepts.
4. Reading/Writing Learners
Some kids thrive on the written word! If your child loves reading novels, taking detailed notes, or writing stories, they likely fall into the reading/writing category. These learners benefit from reading assignments, essays, and written explanations. Encourage them to express their thoughts through journaling or creative writing to reinforce their understanding.
Why It Matters
Understanding your child’s learning style is helpful because it allows you to tailor their learning experiences to fit their strengths. When kids learn in a way that resonates with them, they’re more likely to retain information and stay engaged in their studies. This personalized approach can help them feel more motivated and a foster greater love of learning! Taking it a step further, engaging them in the process of learning and understanding their learning styles can give them a sense of confidence as they move through their learning and life paths!
How to Discover Your Child’s Learning Style
So, how can you identify your child's learning style? Start by observing how they approach tasks. What methods do they naturally gravitate toward? You can also ask them questions about how they prefer to learn—do they like watching videos, listening to explanations, or getting hands-on with activities? There are even fun quizzes available online that can help pinpoint their style! One of the best quizzes I've found online is THIS ONE. Give it a try and see what you think.
Discovering our learning styles is something we also do in my Study Squad Group Online Course. It never ceases to amaze me when my students uncover this for themselves. It's amazing to see the AHA moments and the sense that puzzle pieces are falling into place when they learn about how they learn best.
Embrace the Exploration
It’s totally normal for kids to have a mix of learning styles too, and they may adapt their preferences based on whatever they're learning. The goal here is to create a supportive environment where your child feels empowered to explore more about how they learn and learn in a way that suits them best.
Learning more about learning styles (yours and your child's!) is definitely a journey worth taking. By understanding and embracing your child’s unique learning preferences, you’re setting them up for success and helping them build a solid foundation for lifelong learning.
I’d love to hear from you! What learning styles have you noticed in your child? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Visually Yours!
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