What we can learn from Famous Auditory learners

I specifically wrote this artcile to be an easy read for a young learner to help them understand their strengths and abilities to learn anything. Even the things that they find boring, especially for the things they find boring. When children become more aware of their learning preferences and feel enabled to create or use tools to manage their learning, it builds immense confidence in them to master any subject matter with ease.
This awareness of HOW they choose to learn being separate than WHAT they are learning, being seperate than their ABILITY to learn is called Meta-cognition.

We want kids to practice thinking about thinking:
What is it that I am trying to learn?
For e.g lets say they are doing a word problem for Addition. They are not just doing Math… They are figuring out what parts of the sentence gives them the clue of what to add.
First step is a check, Is it really addition?
What are they asking for as an answer? Not just a number. A number of something…
What is my clue for adding?
Where will I see this type of problem again?
How can I learn best?
Should I write, can I draw it out?
Does it help if I read it out loud?
Sing it maybe?
Do I need a toy to figit, so I can think?
What comes to me naturally, so my brain will solve it?
If one way doesn’t work, I have other options to try.
If I can’t figure it out the first time, is there a different way I can do it?
Should I ask for help?
Can I do it with a friend?
Should I look at a problem we did in the class before?
I will take a 5 minute break and try it again!
“I am a curious learner and the outcome does not reflect on my ability to learn.“
This is the mindset we need to cultivate from a young age. Building meta-cognition skills in young children gives them a growth mindset to become life-long self-learners. This kind of thinking requires intention and practice until it becomes second nature.

How to READ this article?

• Read it with them or better yet, have them read it to you. This will build their vocabulary and knowledge about themselves and others around them. Understanding others will build empathy in their interactions and towards themselves.
• Read a book about these personalities and reflect on what really inspired you about them.
• Create a fun game to use one ore more of the visual learning strategies.
• Play for a month and reflect upon how it improved your learning. Make a little booklet with answers to these questions –
  • 1. Did you learn more? How do you know?
  • 2. Did you learn faster? How did you measure that?
  • 3. Did you enjoy the process? Why or Why not?
  • 4. Did it help you learn something you did not like to learn?
  • 5. Share this with your classrom or your local library, teach other children how to learn.

Lets get started…

Ludwig van Beethoven

Fun Fact: Beethoven, the legendary composer, was a master of listening. Even after losing his hearing, he continued to create some of the most beautiful music the world has ever known. Beethoven would feel the vibrations of the piano as he played, using his inner ear to compose masterpieces like the Ninth Symphony and “Moonlight Sonata.”
What We Can Learn: Beethoven teaches us that even when faced with challenges, we can use our ears to unlock the beauty of music and create something truly magical. His resilience and passion inspire us to listen closely to the world around us and let our inner voices be heard.

Jane Goodall

Fun Fact: Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist, learned to communicate with chimpanzees by listening to their vocalizations and body language. She would spend hours in the forest, tuning into the sounds of the natural world and gaining insights into the behavior of these amazing creatures.
What We Can Learn: Goodall reminds us that listening isn’t just about hearing—it’s about understanding and connecting with other living beings. By listening to the voices of nature, we can learn valuable lessons about empathy, conservation, and our place in the world.

Maya Angelou

Fun Fact: Maya Angelou, the beloved poet and author, had a deep appreciation for the power of words and storytelling. She would listen to the rhythms and cadences of spoken language, using her keen ear to craft unforgettable poems and stories that touched the hearts of millions.
What We Can Learn: Angelou shows us that listening isn’t just about passive hearing—it’s about actively engaging with the world through language and storytelling. By listening to the voices of others and sharing our own stories, we can create connections and inspire change.

Temple Grandin

Fun Fact: Temple Grandin, a renowned advocate for autism awareness, has a unique ability to think in pictures and sounds. She listens to the sounds of animals and uses her auditory imagination to design innovative solutions for improving their welfare and behavior.
What We Can Learn: Grandin teaches us that listening isn’t just about words—it’s about tuning into the sensory experiences of others and finding creative ways to make a difference. By listening with empathy and imagination, we can better understand and support those around us.

Helen Keller

Fun Fact: Despite being both blind and deaf, Helen Keller learned to communicate through touch and sound. She would feel vibrations and listen to people’s voices to understand the world around her.
What We Can Learn: Helen Keller teaches us that even when faced with challenges, we can use our sense of hearing to connect with others and learn about the world. She reminds us that listening isn’t just about hearing sounds—it’s about understanding and connecting with others on a deeper level.