I still remember a boy in my neighborhood named Tunde. He struggled in school for years, and his teachers thought he was lazy. His parents kept pushing him to read more books, but nothing seemed to help. Then one day, a teacher noticed something: Tunde understood lessons faster when he could build models with his hands. Once his parents encouraged this, his grades improved.
This story taught me something powerful: many children are not failing because they are slow. They are struggling because their learning style has not been recognized.
As parents and teachers, we sometimes expect children to adapt to one style of teaching. But in truth, we should adapt to them. Research in educational psychology shows that individualized learning helps children feel confident and perform better in school (American Psychological Association). That’s why learning styles matter so much.
What Are Learning Styles?
When I talk about learning styles, I mean the way children prefer to take in and process information. Some kids love to see things in pictures, others learn best by hearing, and some need to move around to understand.
It’s also important to clear up a myth: children are not limited to only one style. Most of them have blended learning styles, but one may stand out stronger.
Educational research, like the well-known VARK model, shows four main categories: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and reading/writing learners (University of Kansas). These are not strict boxes but helpful guides for parents and teachers.
The Main Types of Learning Styles in Children
Visual Learners
Visual learners understand better with images, diagrams, charts, and videos. They notice details quickly and often enjoy drawing or watching educational videos.
Auditory Learners
Auditory learners prefer listening. They love storytelling, music, discussions, and often remember lyrics or spoken instructions more than written notes.
Kinesthetic Learners
These children learn by doing. They enjoy experiments, building, role play, or anything that allows them to move. Sitting still for long hours feels like punishment to them.
Reading/Writing Learners
Reading/writing learners love words. They learn best with textbooks, notes, and written exercises. They often enjoy keeping journals or making lists.
Some experts also mention multiple intelligences, like Howard Gardner’s theory, but I find the four categories above simple and practical for everyday parenting.
How to Recognize Your Child’s Learning Style
I have learned that observation is the best tool. Let me break it down into everyday signs.
Signs of a Visual Learner
- Loves drawing or doodling.
- Pays attention to pictures in books.
- Remembers things by shapes or colors.
Signs of an Auditory Learner
- Sings along easily to songs.
- Asks to be told stories instead of reading alone.
- Learns better when instructions are spoken.
Signs of a Kinesthetic Learner
- Struggles to sit still for too long.
- Enjoys sports, crafts, or building with blocks.
- Acts out scenes or learns through role play.
Signs of a Reading/Writing Learner
- Keeps notebooks or lists.
- Reads books without being pushed.
- Writes stories, summaries, or notes.
Parents can also try fun activities to test preferences. For example, give your child three options for learning a new word: writing it down, drawing it, singing it, or acting it out. Watch which one excites them most.
There are even simple tools like the VARK for kids that provide structured questions, though I believe parents can learn a lot just by watching their children closely.
How to Support Each Learning Style at Home
Supporting Visual Learners
- Use flashcards and colorful charts.
- Allow doodling during lessons.
- Introduce mind maps for school topics.
- Watch educational videos together.
Supporting Auditory Learners
- Read stories aloud.
- Use rhymes, songs, or even podcasts.
- Encourage group study discussions.
- Allow them to record lessons and play them back.
Supporting Kinesthetic Learners
- Do science experiments at home.
- Use building blocks, clay, or role play.
- Allow short breaks to move during study.
- Encourage sports or dance as learning tools.
Supporting Reading/Writing Learners
- Provide journals, notebooks, and planners.
- Encourage writing short stories or essays.
- Teach them how to summarize notes.
- Use checklists for homework and chores.
When I used these tips with my own cousin, I saw her confidence rise. She went from hating schoolwork to asking for more time to practice in her own way.
How Teachers Can Support Different Learning Styles in the Classroom
Teachers face large groups of students, each with different needs. That’s why using mixed methods works best.
- For visual learners: use diagrams, posters, and projectors.
- For auditory learners: include discussions, debates, and read-alouds.
- For kinesthetic learners: introduce experiments, drama, and interactive games.
- For reading/writing learners: assign note-taking, reports, and written reflections.
I always encourage parents to meet with teachers and share what works at home. When teachers and parents work as a team, the child benefits most.
Balancing Multiple Learning Styles in One Child
I’ve noticed that many children don’t fit into one box. My niece, for example, learns math better by writing problems down (reading/writing), but she prefers to learn history by watching documentaries (visual).
Parents should mix approaches:
- Use flashcards (visual) while asking the child to explain answers aloud (auditory).
- Combine movement with reading, like acting out a story before writing about it.
As children grow, their preferred style can also change, so flexibility is key.
Common Mistakes Parents Make With Learning Styles
Through my experience, I’ve seen parents make avoidable mistakes.
- Forcing one method. A child may have a main style but still benefit from others.
- Comparing siblings. Each child is unique. What works for one may not work for another.
- Ignoring interests. A child who loves music might use songs to study, even if they are not fully auditory learners.
Avoiding these mistakes helps children feel supported instead of pressured.
Tools and Resources Parents Can Use
I often recommend simple resources that are both free and practical.
- Learning style quizzes like VARK for kids.
- Free platforms such as Khan Academy with diverse teaching methods.
- YouTube educational channels that use visuals and audio together.
- Apps for flashcards (visual), audiobooks (auditory), or journaling (reading/writing).
- Parenting books on individualized learning strategies.
Exploring these tools makes learning at home less stressful and more fun.
Building Confidence Through Learning Styles
When I reflect on Tunde’s story and many others I’ve seen, one truth stands out: recognizing a child’s learning style is not about labeling them. It is about giving them the best chance to succeed.
As parents, we should celebrate strengths and support weak areas with patience. A child who learns in their own style feels confident, enjoys studying, and grows into a motivated learner.
Every child has the ability to shine. They just need the right tools, encouragement, and a safe environment where their natural style is respected.
