Steps
- Understand the three main learning styles or modalities.
- Auditory Learners learn by talking or listening.
- Visual Learners learn by seeing print or images.
- Kinesthetic/Tactile Learners learn by doing.
- Observe your child.
- How does your child express himself? Visual learners may express themselves through facial expression. Auditory learners may express themselves through words. Kinesthetic learners may express themselves through body language.
- What are his or her interests? Visual learners are typically interested in print and images. Auditory learners may enjoy sound and music. Kinesthetic learners are generally interested in physical activity.
- How does your child solve problems? Visual learners may use their eyes to find solutions. Auditory learners may want to discuss possible solutions. Kinesthetic learners will find a solution using their hands.
- Look over various homeschooling methods and programs to find a homeschooling curriculum that caters to your child's strengths. Visual and auditory learners tend to do well with traditional programs. Kinesthetic learners may need something more hands on, such as a unit study or Montessori program.
- When teaching, use your child's strengths to compensate for areas of weaknesses.
- Auditory learners thrive on reading aloud, conversation, music, and oral drill.
- Visual learners thrive on reading, writing, and making charts, graphs, and diagrams.
- Kinesthetic/Tactile learners thrive on touch, large or small muscle movement, and hands-on projects.
- Teach your child how to study in a way that makes the most of his or her dominant learning style.
- Find ways to help your child develop skills in his or her weaker learning modalities.
Tips
- Become familiar with various homeschooling methods so you can find one that best fits your child.
Warnings
- Be careful not to pigeon hole your child or use learning styles as an excuse for poor academic performance.
Sources and Citations
- AVKO Educational Research Foundation
- Learning Styles
- LD Pride
- Visual Spatial Resource
- Wikipedia
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