It’s back-to-school time and we here at Alzein Pediatrics know you want your child to be as successful as possible throughout the year. As a parent, you know your child’s strengths and their challenges – but do you know their learning style?

Very broadly, there are three learning styles: Visual learners, Auditory learners and Tactile learners. Professionals now recognize that accommodating for the manner in which individual children (and adults!) learn best makes for better comprehension and performance, resulting in higher achievement.

By identifying your child’s learning style, you will be better able to help them through Homework Time (known in many homes as Horror Time) using appropriate techniques for their style.

Visual learners learn by reading or seeing pictures. A child who is a visual learner understands and remembers concepts much better when they see them, rather than just hearing. A visual learner needs written directions and would be best served with a quiet study atmosphere.

For your visual learner:

• have eyesight checked annually

• encourage your child sit near the front of the classroom to better see

• use flashcards to learn new words

• encourage your child to close their eyes and visualize during lectures

• encourage note taking, including key words and drawn pictures

• color code folders and supplies

• maintain quiet during study times – no TV, music or tablets

Auditory learners learn, remember and understand by hearing and listening, not just by seeing. Your child will better understand and follow spoken directions. Auditory learners may hum, talk or sing to themselves, but are still hearing and understanding what’s being taught.

For your auditory learner:

• have hearing checked annually

• pick a seat in the classroom where s/he can hear clearly

• read aloud flashcards, assignments, directions and stories

• record spelling words or math tables and listen repeatedly to the recording

• learn new material and study for tests by reading it out loud.

• read test questions out loud (quietly)

Tactile learners understand, learn and remember concepts best by touching, building, drawing and engaging in physical movement and will have trouble with concepts when they are just seen or heard. Tactile learners are active, usually use their hands while speaking, and like to take things apart and put them back together. Tactile learners tend to be athletic and need to move.

For your tactile learner:

• use physical contact when studying – a hand on the shoulder or holding an object.

• encourage acting out, drawing or building of stories and concepts

• allow frequent short breaks

• trace spelling words with fingers

• accept pencil tapping, foot shaking, walking, rocking or fidgeting while studying

• arrange flashcards to form relationships or play them in a memory game

• use a computer to reinforce concepts through sense of touch

Even better than just using these techniques at Homework Time – by respectfully sharing your child’s learning style and these techniques with their teacher, your child will also be able to learn better throughout the day. That is a recipe for academic success – and a happier home!

Alzein Pediatrics is always happy to check your child’s eyesight and hearing – and address any concerns you may have about learning! Call our office and make an appointment, or click here to make an appointment online today.