How to Identify Your Child's Learning Style and Why It Matters

Have you ever noticed your child doodling while studying, or perhaps they need to move around to remember information? 

These natural tendencies aren't just habits - they're clues to how your child learns best. According to research published in the Journal of Educational Psychology (Mayer & Massa, 2003), understanding and supporting different learning preferences can significantly impact academic success.

Why Learning Styles Matter

Every child approaches learning differently. While research shows that students benefit from multiple teaching approaches, recognizing their preferred learning style can help make studying more effective and enjoyable. 

Recent studies have found that combining different learning methods often leads to the best results, but starting with a child's preferred style can build confidence and engagement.

Common Learning Styles to Watch For

The Visual Learner

Does your child:

• Draw pictures to explain their ideas?
• Remember information better when it's written down?
• Prefer looking at maps rather than following verbal directions?
• Love using colors to organize their notes?

The Listening Learner

Look for a child who:

• Explains things better out loud than in writing
• Remembers songs easily
• Learns best through discussions
• Prefers to have instructions explained rather than written

The Hands-on Learner

You might notice your child:

• Fidgets while thinking
• Needs to move to concentrate
• Learns best through doing rather than watching
• Enjoys building projects and experiments

Simple Ways to Support Each Learning Style

For Visual Learners

• Create colorful study guides
• Use sticky notes for reminders
• Draw simple pictures to explain concepts
• Make timelines for history lessons

For Listening Learners

• Read homework instructions out loud
• Allow them to explain concepts back to you
• Use educational songs or rhymes
• Practice math facts verbally

For Hands-on Learners

• Use building blocks for math concepts
• Take movement breaks during homework
• Create physical models
• Act out stories or historical events

Making Homework Time More Effective

The key is to match study methods to your child's learning style. 

For example:

When studying spelling:

• Visual learners might write words in different colors
• Listening learners could spell words out loud
• Hands-on learners might spell words using letter tiles

For math practice:

• Visual learners benefit from drawing problem solutions
• Listening learners could explain their thinking process
• Hands-on learners might use counters or math manipulatives

Creating the Right Study Environment

Set up a study space that supports your child's learning style:

• Visual learners need good lighting and clear wall space for charts
• Listening learners benefit from a quiet area away from distracting sounds
• Hands-on learners need space to move and manipulate objects

When to Seek Extra Support

Sometimes, despite understanding your child's learning style, additional help might be needed. 

Signs to watch for:

• Continued frustration with homework
• Declining grades despite effort
• Loss of confidence in school
• Anxiety about specific subjects

Next Steps for Your Child's Success

Transform your child's learning experience by connecting with a certified teacher who understands their unique learning style. 

At Teachers Who Tutor in Colorado, our experienced educators carefully match each student with the right tutor based on:

• Learning style preferences
• Grade level needs
• Subject area focus
• Schedule compatibility

We make it easy to get started:

1. Fill out our quick online registration form to tell us about your child's needs
2. Schedule a free consultation to discuss learning style and academic goals
3. Get matched with a certified teacher
4. Begin personalized tutoring sessions either online or in-person

Whether your child needs homework support, test preparation, or academic enrichment, our tutors create customized learning plans that work with their natural learning style.

By working one-on-one with a teacher who understands how they learn best, your child can build both skills and confidence.

Reference: Mayer, R. E., & Massa, L. J. (2003). Three facets of visual and verbal learners: Cognitive ability, cognitive style, and learning preference. Journal of Educational Psychology, 95(4), 833-846.