How to identify your child’s learning style.
What are learning styles and why do we need to know them?
Learning styles are our brain’s preferred way of absorbing and processing information. At DMS, we believe that learning is an individual journey, and the child-led Montessori approach allows our educators to observe children and identify their preferred learning styles so we can help them succeed at school and at home. Your own day-to-day observations can help you understand the way your child processes information, so you can create the right environment to facilitate their learning.
What are the different learning styles, and how can I identify my child’s unique way of processing information?
Children learn in three primary ways; through their sense of touch (Kinesthetic learning), their hearing (Auditory learning), and their sight (Visual learning). Each learning style can be identified in a number of ways; We’ve shared the top three indicators for each category below, but your child may exhibit other traits that are not listed.
If your child is a Kinesthetic learner:
They are likely to have learned to walk or crawl earlier than their peers.
They usually enjoy sports, dancing, or other physical games and activities.
They have advanced fine motor skills and/or hand-eye coordination, and enjoy writing, drawing, and arts and crafts activities like beading.
If your child is an auditory learner:
Music is a key component of your child’s life; they enjoy singing and may even show interest in playing an instrument.
You’re often very careful about what you say around your child because they have the tendency to repeat words they’ve heard in passing.
They follow verbal directions easily and accurately and enjoy conversations with adults and peers.
If your child is a visual learner:
They’re extremely observant and can identify and remember small details about people, places, or things.
They enjoy reading and often make up their own stories and conversations about the pictures in their books.
They have a strong interest in art and can easily identify colors, shapes, and sizes.
How can this information help my child succeed at school and in the outside world?
At DMS, our inclusive Montessori approach incorporates all these learning styles into the curriculum, so we can identify each child’s unique preferences by observing them during child-led learning activities. This allows us to pinpoint the areas where they excel and need more challenging tasks, as well as those where they need additional support.
Parents who understand their child’s learning style can participate in the school-to-home continuum by purchasing specific toys and games, engaging in structured playtime with their children, and choosing the right extracurricular activities.
Our shared goal as educators and parents is to facilitate the holistic development of our children. Understanding that they’re unique and working together to support them is an essential component of raising confident, emotionally balanced young people who do not feel disadvantaged, insecure, or afraid simply because they learn differently from their peers.
We’d love to work with you if you’re facing challenges in identifying your child’s preferred learning style. Please contact our administrator to schedule a consultation call or assessment.