What is your child’s learning style?

Once upon a time, in a cozy suburban home, a mother named Emily sat at her kitchen table, puzzled. Her two children, Jack and Sophie, were as different as night and day when it came to school work. Jack excelled in hands-on activities, while Sophie shone when reading books and writing stories. Emily’s confusion turned to curiosity, and she embarked on a quest to understand why her children learned so differently. Through her journey, she discovered the concept of learning styles, a powerful tool that could help her tailor her approach to each child’s unique needs.

What Are Learning Styles?

Learning styles refer to the preferred ways individuals absorb, process, and retain information. Understanding these styles can significantly enhance a child’s educational experience by aligning teaching methods with their natural inclinations. According to the VARK model, developed by educational theorist Neil Fleming, there are four primary learning styles:

Do Learning styles change with age? 

The short answer is YES and that is because our brains are changeable and constatly rewires itself with new information we present to it and adjusts itself with the experiences we have. This is called neuroplasticity. Learning styles are influenced by several factors including cognitive development, educational experiences, and personal growth. Here are some key points and research findings that explore how and why learning styles may evolve over time:

Research Findings

1. Cognitive Development and Maturity:
   • Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development: Jean Piaget’s theory suggests that as children grow, they go through different stages of cognitive development which affect how they process information. For instance, younger children (pre-operational stage) may benefit more from hands-on and visual learning, while older children (formal operational stage) can handle more abstract thinking and therefore might shift towards more abstract learning styles such as reading/writing and auditory learning .
2. Educational Experiences:
   • Adaptation to Teaching Methods: Exposure to different teaching methods and educational environments can influence learning styles. A study by Kolb and Kolb (2005) indicated that students often adapt their learning preferences based on their educational experiences and the teaching methods they are exposed to.
   • Impact of Higher Education: Research by Coffield et al. (2004) found that college students often develop different learning preferences compared to their primary school years, influenced by the demands and structure of higher education which often emphasizes critical thinking and independent learning .
3. Personal Growth and Life Experiences:
   • Lifelong Learning: As individuals age, their learning styles can evolve based on personal interests, career requirements, and life experiences. For example, adults might develop a preference for practical, real-world learning (experiential learning) over theoretical approaches (Jarvis, 2006) .
   • Career and Professional Development: Professional training and career demands can also shape learning styles. Professionals might develop specific learning preferences that align with their job requirements and career progression (Kolb, 1984) .

Implications for Education

Understanding that learning styles can change with age is crucial for educators and curriculum developers. It emphasizes the importance of providing diverse teaching methods and adaptive learning environments that can cater to evolving learning preferences throughout an individual’s educational journey. Making a child aware of their learning style builds confindence in their ability to self learn. 

Is there a gender preference?

The connection between learning styles and gender has been a subject of research and debate in educational psychology. Various studies have explored whether there are significant differences in preferred learning styles between boys and girls. 
The answer is not black or white. It is better to observe the individual child than base their learning preference purely on gender. 
Here are some key findings and sources that address this question:

How to spot Your Child’s Learning Style?

Identifying your child’s learning style can be challenging but rewarding. Here are some signs to look out for:

Visual Learners

Auditory Learners

Reading/Writing Learners

Kinesthetic Learners

Unlocking Early Math Skills: Tools Tailored to Your Child’s Learning Style

Understanding your child’s unique learning style can significantly enhance their ability to grasp early math concepts. Here are specific tools and strategies tailored to each type of learner to help them master math during their formative K-5 years.

Visual Learners – Tools and Strategies

1. Visual Aids and Manipulatives:
   • Base Ten Blocks: Help children understand place value and number sense.
   • Fraction Circles and Bars: Visualize fractions and their relationships.
   • Pattern Blocks: Explore shapes, symmetry, and patterns.
2. Interactive Whiteboards and Apps:
   • SmartBoard: Allows for dynamic visual presentations and interactive problem-solving.
   • Math Apps: Apps like Splash Math and DragonBox offer visually engaging math games.
3. Charts and Graphs:
   • Number Lines and Graphs: Illustrate number sequences, operations, and data relationships.
   • Anchor Charts: Display key math concepts and strategies in a visual format.

Auditory Learners – Tools and Strategies

1. Audio Resources:
   • Educational Podcasts and Songs: Use podcasts like Brains On! or songs from resources like Schoolhouse Rock to reinforce math concepts through catchy tunes and explanations.
   • Audio Books: Stories that incorporate math, such as “The Greedy Triangle” by Marilyn Burns.
2. Verbal Explanations and Discussions:
   • Interactive Math Talks: Engage in discussions about math problems and strategies.
   • Math Tutoring Sessions: One-on-one or group sessions that focus on verbal explanations.
3. Recorded Lessons:
   • YouTube Channels: Channels like Khan Academy offer auditory learners the chance to hear explanations and see problems worked out.
   • Voice Recording: Encourage children to record themselves explaining math concepts and solving problems.

Reading/Writing Learners – Tools and Strategies

1. Workbooks and Worksheets:
   • Comprehensive Math Workbooks: Resources like Kumon or Brain Quest that provide extensive practice in written form.
   • Custom Worksheets: Tailor-made sheets focusing on specific areas where the child needs practice.
2. Math Journals and Logs:
   • Daily Math Journal: Have children write out their problem-solving process and reflect on what they’ve learned.
   • Interactive Notebooks: Combine written notes with foldables and graphic organizers to reinforce concepts.
3. Flashcards and Practice Tests:
   • Math Flashcards: For practicing basic operations and math facts.
   • Online Quizzes: Websites like IXL or Prodigy that provide written problems and instant feedback.

Kinesthetic Learners – Tools and Strategies

1. Hands-On Activities and Games:
   • Math Manipulatives: Tools like counting bears, abacuses, and geoboards to physically engage with math.
   • Board Games: Games like Math Bingo, Sum Swamp, or Money Bags that incorporate math in a fun, active way.
2. Movement-Based Learning:
   • Math in Motion: Use physical activities, such as hopscotch math or math relay races, to integrate movement with learning.
   • Interactive Math Stations: Set up stations with different hands-on activities that children can rotate through.
3. Technology and Interactive Tools:
   • Interactive Apps: Apps like Osmo that combine physical movement with digital feedback.
   • Virtual Manipulatives: Websites like the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives that offer interactive, tactile math experiences.