How can knowing my child’s learning style help with homework?

In order to instil a love of learning in your child, it is important to know how he/she likes to learn and process information. Every child learns differently. Understanding how your child learns can help reduce frustration, improve achievement and help develop effective study habits. Discovering your child’s particular learning style will help to better coach him or her throughout the various learning experiences. It will also help you and your child plan learning strategies to help with studying, reading and completing homework tasks more effectively.

Research has shown that learning is not a “one size fits all” approach. There are three main types of learners; kinesthetic, auditory and visual. Kinesthetic learners learn by hands on experiences, visual learners learn by seeing and auditory learners learn by hearing. Most learners adopt the style that best suits them and may use a combination of styles but they generally have a clear preference for one. It is important for parents to pay attention to the ways in which their child learns best. Several studies have shown that accommodating your child’s learning style at home can significantly increase his/her performance at school.

Homework tips to help your child based on his/her preferred learning style:

Kinesthetic Learner

Your child learns by doing and touching

When reading have your child track words on a page with his/her finger
Have your child write information down multiple times to help them memorize
When reading, have your child highlight and underline important facts, information or new vocabulary words
Have your child play with a stress ball, play dough etc. while studying
Have your child take frequent breaks by moving around
Provide learning opportunities for hands-on activities, such as building models or designing games

Visual Learner

Your child learns new information by reading and looking at graphs/charts or watching demonstrations

Have your child make and use flash cards, index cards, cheat sheets for review
Have your child use charts, tables, and maps to reinforce concepts
Have your child use graphic organizers to organize thoughts and ideas
Have your child draw illustrations, maps, charts, diagrams
Have your child highlight and underline and colour code information

Auditory Learner

Your child prefers to listen than to read and often studies by reciting information aloud

Have your child talk about and explain what they are learning
Have your child recite important information aloud, maybe recording it and playing it back
Have your child read a book and listen to the audio book at the same time
Have your child set facts and information to familiar tunes or create raps to help remember new content more easily
Limit noise that could distract your child