Learning Styles

It is important to know your learning style as well as your child's style.
There are basically three learning styles: Auditory, Visual and Kinesthetic.

First,let's address the Auditory learner. This type of learner likes to talk a lot. They talk to themselves, carry a tune, keep to the beat, often  keeping beat on things around the house.  This type of learner enjoys reading out loud and would rather be read to than to read. They will prefer oral directions over written. They want the radio on when working.
   Tip: With this type of learner, you can give tests and quizes orally. This helps save time. Cassettes and CD's are a great learning resource.

The Visual learner: Likes puzzles and word games. They tend to notice what you where, how you look and if you don't wear make-up in the morning. They are easily distracted by new sights and don't like to have music playing while studying. This type of learner likes lists and charts.
    Tips: Use flashcards, puzzles, matching games.

The Kinestetic learner. Most boys fall into this category.  They need to touch and feel everything. They can't sit still, and are always grabbing at things. They tend to excel in sports. They have great balance and animate when they speak.  When they work, they want to touch, feel and take things apart rather than listen to lectures.  They tend to prefer to type over writing.
   Tips: Need many hands on projects: molding sculpting, building. Do outdoor projects, nature walks, legos, K-nex.

Knowing the type of learner you are and your child is helpful in understanding how they learn and will help you decide the type of cirriculum will work  or understand why one doesn't work. This information is to be used for information and understanding, not as an excuse for not reading or doing other assignments.  A child needs to learn in a combination of ways.

    Knowing the learning styles greatly improved our school methods and I hope it will be useful to you.

    Resource books on learning styles:
       1. The Way They Learn by Cynthia Ulrich Tobias
       2. Schoolproof by Mary Pride

How to teach:

1. Find an interest. Ask the child or children what they want to learn about. If they are hesitant, go to the library, let them choose books, videos, music. Discuss.
2.Look to the bible for more information. For example: my children were very interested in learning about Volcanoes. I was amazed at how many scriptures there are to use on the subject. I don't think there is a subject that isn't in the bible.
3. The fun part begins. Do projects, make timelines, books to illustrate, build, go on field trips, make up songs, do experiments, make up plays, etc, etc....
4. Have the child teach someone else. Have a small party, invite friends, family, other homeschoolers. Tell them about what you have learned, share your song, books and projects.Make food to go along with the subject. An example: When we finished volcanoes, we set out our landscape of volcanoes, maps, volcanic rocks (collected from volcanoes we visited), posters, and experiments. We made food: Volcanoes (the main dish with hamburger, taco seasons, cheese, shaped into a volcano), earthquake (a drink made of yogurt and fruit) and much more. The boys each took turns telling their friends all they had learned about volcanoes. When your child teaches, you know they have a grasp on the concept and you have succeeded!

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